Major Steven Mastropaolo, USAF

July 28, 1929 - March 3, 2016

Major Steven Mastropaolo, USAF Steak lover, master griller, fishing aficionado and Seinfeld enthusiast Major Steven Mastropaolo USAF of Fulton County, passed away peacefully at Nathan Littauer Nursing Home on Thursday, March 3, 2016. He was the husband of the extraordinarily compassionate and generous Theresa Mastropaolo, a life-long resident of Gloversville. Steve and Theresa have been married for twenty wonderful, cat-hair-filled years. Steve led an exciting and accomplished life, enjoying enough unique experiences for two or three lifetimes. Steve was born on the same day as Jacqueline Kennedy, July 28, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. Incredibly intelligent and hardworking, Steve graduated high school at just 16 and began attending Northrup Institute of Technology, studying Aeronautical Engineering. Passion for flying was a love of Steve’s that began early and would endure a lifetime. He graduated college and entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, commissioning in 1952. Steve proudly served the Air Force for twenty years and served in the Vietnam War as a pilot. Despite being an Air Force pilot, Steve was a man of peace and maintained throughout his later years that he was vehemently against the Vietnam War from the onset, but had done his part to serve his country with honor. Additionally, Steve was an integral part of the USAF’s space programs, contributing to the Apollo program and the Minuteman projects. Steve had always said that working as a commander for the USAF space programs was an extremely stressful, but satisfying time in his career. As an Officer, Steve traveled to numerous countries in Europe and the Middle East, where he was able to explore the world and experience unique cultures unknown to most. Steve even lived in Africa and later France for several years, where he became fluent in French. During his Air Force career Steve wore many hats including pilot, navigator, commander, instructor and inventor. He achieved the rank of Major and shortly after being presented his award for Meritorious Service from 1966-1971, retired honorably from the United States Air Force. Steve was a proud veteran and had a tradition of toasting to America at holiday dinners and family get-togethers. He would say we, “had won the most important lottery - being born in America.” Following his career as a pilot and commander of NASA sponsored space projects, Steve worked at Boeing in a high level management capacity, committing himself to the advancement of air and space technology. After working several years in the aerospace industry he retired fully, ready to relax and focus on other endeavors of utmost importance: fishing. When Steve wasn’t fishing he was tinkering with his invention, a more efficient deep sea fishing lure. Steve spent his retirement relaxing, watching John Wayne movies and reminiscing about the time he once saw Marilyn Monroe setting up a marquee sign in the early fifties prior to her becoming famous. To all those who doubted his sighting he would say, “You never forget a woman like that.” And he would debate heartily with those who were team Jackie in the Marilyn vs. Jackie debate. Steve is now united in heaven with God and reunited with his beloved Himalayan cat Bandit, who he dragged along to various continents during his travels over the course of his distinguished Air Force career, including several hot and extremely humid parts of India. Some of Steve’s favorite things in life included Theresa’s Sicilian sauce and meatballs, steak, raw clams on the half shell, John Wayne, Sci-Fi or action movies, dining out at restaurants (sorry Sam’s you lost a devoted customer), keeping up with the news, politics, Seinfeld, fishing, planes and flying. Steve loved all food, but had a sweet tooth and appreciated fine dining. Steve is survived by his devoted wife Theresa; his two siblings, Joseph and wife Therese Mastropaolo of California, and his sister Diana and husband Bill Truglio of Long Island; his loving son Louis Mastropaolo of Fountain Valley, California; three stepchildren, William Weaver and belated wife Paula Weaver of Ormond Beach, Florida, Maria Fibiger and husband David Fibiger of Buena Vista, Virginia, and Kim Goodemote of Gloversville; six grandchildren Brighette “Bebe” and Jon Paul “JP” Mastropaolo of Fountain Valley, California, Jason Gibson of Fountain Valley, California, Justin Gibson of Sacramento, California, Kathryn “Katie” Weaver of Vernon, Connecticut, Christina and husband Jason Corey of Queensbury, and Carter Goodemote of Gloversville. Steve is also survived by his wife’s seven rescue cats which he frequently would confuse or altogether forget they exist: Molly Moops, Snicker Doodle, Daisy May, Oskar Igor (the “Russian cat”), Holly Berry, Oreo Cookies and his favorite, Stevie Pumpkin. Steve was predeceased by Gussy Pepper. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, March 10th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Amico Funeral Home, 150 South Main Street in Gloversville. All are invited to a celebration of Steven life following calling hours. On Friday, March 11th at 12 p.m. a military service and burial will be conducted at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery located at 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to SOCKS (Save Our Cats, Kittens and Strays), P.O. Box 972, Gloversville or to the Gloversville Senior Center, 53 Church Street, Gloversville. Some parting words from Steve’s favorite Seinfeld character, Kramer: These pretzels are making me thirsty. Giddy up! I got it. It’s out - how about that - oh boy, what a relief! On-line condolences maybe made at www.amicofuneralhome.com.