William H. ‘Bill’ Masterson Jr. of Southampton Dies November 14

William H. “Bill” Masterson Jr. of Southampton died peacefully on November 14, surrounded by his family. He was 80.

Masterson was the husband of the late Laura G. Masterson and father to three children: Kathleen, William and Ellie. He was a was a devoted father, doting and loving grandfather, dear brother-in-law, amazing uncle, and friend to all, his family said. He was a force, a caring person, a pure gentleman, they said.

He was born on November 25, 1942, in Williston Park, New York, the only child of William H. Masterson Sr. and Dora Masterson.

In 1965, he met the love of his life, Laura, while on a blind date set up by his Chaminade Boys. They married shortly thereafter and started a family. Married 56 years, they built their relationship based on family values, love and faith, his family said. The extended family he loved as much as his own, Rich, Christina and Jill, will forever be his “favorites,” his constant love for his two grandchildren, Patrick and Teigue, and the 21 nieces and nephews will live on forever, his family said.

He was an active member of the Southampton community for over 55 years. He was very involved in local politics, and was an elected official as the highway superintendent for two decades.

He served on the board and was a Founder at the Southampton Golf Club, and was active in many of the local community fraternal organizations.

In more recent retired years, he committed his love, spirits and efforts to his Florida community at The Mariner Sands. His love for golf and banter with his boys and many he crossed daily kept a constant, infectious smile on his face, his family noted.

He will be forever missed and remembered as the first one there, fun loving, ready-to-go, always dressed up, amazing husband, grandfather, uncle, friend and father, his family said.

Visiting hours will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, November 20, at O’Connell Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton. A Mass to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. on November 21 at The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the East End Hospice Kanas Center for Hospice Care (eeh.org) in the Masterson family name would be appreciated.