Richard Mastriano

Oct 8, 1942 -

Feb 3, 2026

Richard Anthony Mastriano passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 3, 2026, at the age of 83. Rich thoroughly enjoyed his life in Alaska and the many friends and acquaintances he made here, often expressing he would not want to live anywhere else.

He was born and raised in New Haven, Conn., the middle child of three children born to Anthony and Theresa (Murano) Mastriano on Oct. 8, 1942. Rich attended Notre Dame High School, an all-boys school, graduating in 1961. From there he attended Quinnipiac College, a co-ed school, for the next two years. According to Rich, having girls in classrooms was too much of a distraction, so he enlisted in the Air Force in 1963. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where he met and married his wife, Charmaine Sawby, in 1966. Upon discharge from the military, they returned to Connecticut where he completed his education at New Haven College graduating in 1971.

They came to Alaska in 1970 to meet Charm's family. The plan was to then settle in someplace halfway between Alaska and Connecticut. However, Rich fell in love with Alaska and continued to call it home until he passed.

Rich began Alaska employment with Combs Insurance Agency in Palmer, where he became involved in the Valley's youth activities program, coaching both youth baseball and football. His next interest was in the Alaska League Baseball program, first with the Valley Green Giants team and later becoming the first General Manager of the Mat-Su Miners. Rich, a lifelong Catholic, also enjoyed volunteering at Slippery Gulch until ill health curtailed this activity.

Rich also worked at Totem Steel Construction Co., and later with the Department of Labor which included a stint as Director of Division of Labor Standards. He retired from state employment in 2003, and became a snowbird who spent winters in Yuma, Ariz., until ill health limited his ability to travel.

Rich leaves behind his wife of 59.6 years, Charm; older sister, Barbara "Bobbie" Mastriano; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Joe Moreau; nieces, nephews and many cousins in the Lower 48 as well as his chosen family in Alaska. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister, Marie.

A funeral mass was held for Rich at St. Michaels Catholic Church on Feb. 14, 2026. No other services are planned. His ashes will be scattered at a later date.