Barry Joseph Masters

It is with sad hearts that the family of Barry Joseph Masters announce the passing of his soul from this life to the next. Barry was born February 24, 1935 to Edward and Frances Masters. Barry attended St. Agnes School and later St. Joseph Academy where he met his sweetheart, Phyllis Crutchfield. They were married shortly after high school and had 9 children: Teresa Everett (Michael), Timmy (preceded in death), (Lisa), “Beanie” aka Stephen (Darlene), Bruce (preceded in death), Tommy (Beth), Christopher, Kevin, Jerry (Dena), Rene (Adam). Barry and Phyllis were married 45 years before her death in 1999. Barry and Phyllis were devoted members of San Sebastian Catholic Church which they helped establish with several other families. A proud Menorcan, he loved to fish as that was the fare on their large table many a night. He would drop a line in the water before work and on lunch breaks if he was lucky enough to be laying block or brick near the water. In more recent years, friends and family members lucky on a fresh catch of mullet would drop a batch by his house for him to fry up and enjoy. Barry was a skilled craftsman in the field of masonry and worked with his brothers Buddy and David in Masters’ Construction. He proudly laid many a brick for fine establishments from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach including the huge Anheiser Busch facility in Jacksonville and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. He taught his sons the trade and several of them have established their own masonry businesses in town. Barry went on to work for the St. Johns County Building Department and was a respected (and feared!) building inspector for over 20 years. He was always the man to make sure it was done right! Barry loved going to the mountains of North Carolina for hot summer breaks and to enjoy the fall leaves. He ended up building a house there alongside his brother Pat’s home in Linville Falls which is still enjoyed by many. Barry leaves behind two devoted siblings, David Masters (Jackie) and Kate Masters with brothers and sisters preceding him in death being, Patrick, Anne, Mary Ellen, and Buddy. Eleanor Nerbonne was a dear companion of recent years that also preceded him in death. Barry has 16 grand-children and 9 great-grandchildren and was devoted to his family and loved his family with all of his heart. On Christmas mornings Barry woke up early and enjoyed making the rounds to see all his kids and grand kids. Thanksgivings at the Boating Club were an annual event that Barry also treasured with family. This past Christmas he asked that his gift be only that family gather together to say the rosary together because above all, he was a devoted man of God. This is a memory we will hold dear. Our Papa Bear will truly be missed by all who knew him. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Barry Joseph Masters

February 24, 1935 - April 27, 2023