Obituary of Benjamin G. Masten

Benjamin G. Masten "decorated war veteran" Cuba, NY-- Benjamin G. Masten of Route 446, formerly of Jollytown Road died Saturday (May 3, 2003) in the Olean General Hospital. Born February 19, 1922 in Olean he was the son of Seymour and Carrie Snyder Masten. He was married to Rena M. Doty on February 26, 1943. She passed away May 7, 1998. He was also married to Lena Bonhoff. Mr. Masten was a veteran of WWII, having served in the US Army from 1942 until 1945. He was the recipient of the bronze star medal, the distinguished unit badge and the European-African-Middle Eastern service medal with a bronze arrowhead. He was a member of the Teamster’s Union and had worked for many years for the former Olean Transfer Co. which later became associated with the !DeWitt Co. prior to his retirement. Mr. Masten was a member of the American Legion and the Pulaski Club. He occasionally attended the Haskell Community Church. Surviving are 5 sons Carl Masten, Sr. and Gary Masten, Sr., both of Florida, Paul Masten of Warren, Pa., William Hamilton of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Gerald Masten of Georgia; 3 daughters Donna Morey and Betty Taylor, both of Olean and Mary Smith of Warren, Pa.; 2 stepsons Aaron Bailey and George Bailey; 1 stepdaughter Sandra Bailey; several grandchildren, great grandchildren; 1 sister Emiline Ray of Olean and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Rena, he was predeceased by a son George Masten; 2 daughters Norma Liguori and Nancy Masten; a stepson Alfred Bailey; 2 sisters Anna Showers and Doris Brockel and a brother Leo Masten. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Wednesday (May 7, 2003) from 11:00am until 1:00pm at which time funeral and committal services will be held. A military service will be held in his honor, with burial in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.