William P. Mastrolia died peacefully in the early hours of April 24, 2020, at St. Joseph of the Pines, N.C. He was 96.
He joined the Navy at 18 and served in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war, Bill returned to Jersey City, NJ and completed his education at St. Peter’s College and Stevens Institute of Technology. He married Kathryn O’Neill (d. 2010) and raised six children.
Bill relocated to Louisville, KY in 1969 as General Manager for Celanese Coatings Company. He retired from Celanese and became CEO for Wacker Chemical Company until his retirement there in 1991. He and his wife Grace Schaber (d. 2011) settled in Southern Pines N.C. where he played golf daily, served as president of Belle Meade Homeowners Association and enjoyed many cruises.
He is survived by his children, Paul Mastrolia (Susan), Anita Neal (Paul), Mark Mastrolia, Peter Mastrolia (Sally), Tressa Klossner (Earl), Kathryn Taylor (Bryan d. 2016), step-sons John Schaber, M.D. (Stacey), and Lee Schaber.
Survivors also include his sisters Margaret Farrell and Lucille O’Day, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his devoted friend and caregiver Kimberly McRae.
He will be interred at Calvary Cemetery, Louisville, KY. A celebration of life will take place following the current public health crisis. Memorial gifts can be made to St. Peter’s College, 2641 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306.
Bill lived life on his own terms, so in the words of his immortal hometown hero, “I did it my way”.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
