Dan F McMasters

Dan F. McMasters, age 78, passed away after a recent illness on Monday, Sept. 22nd, 2025.  He was born at Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio on June 12, 1947 to the late John and Jean McMasters of Louisville.  He was a 1965 graduate of Louisville High School and later obtained a degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1969.  He initially worked for the Record Courier newspaper in Ravenna, Ohio selling advertising but was eventually sought out by State Farm Insurance for agency and management roles, where he was employed for 45 years, retiring in 2020.  He was a member of Basilica of St. John the Baptist and St. Peter Catholic Church.  A lifelong Cleveland Browns and Ohio State fan, he also enjoyed annual fishing trips with friends, golfing, trap/clay and target shooting with friends.  Perhaps his favorite hobby though was sipping on a glass of fine bourbon and smoking a fine cigar while he held court with his friends.  In his earlier years, he travelled the world with his wife.  He took pride in his community and served on numerous boards throughout his life in both Portage and Stark County.  This included Robinson Memorial Hospital, Quest Recovery Services, and Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority.  He was first and foremost a proud member of The Rotary Club.  He is survived by his wife, Debbie, son Mark McMasters of Canton, daughter Erin (Sean) McCarthy of Granville, Ohio, grandchildren:  Margaret, Patrick, and Catherine McCarthy.  He is also survived by his sister, Deborah (Jeff) Smith of Louisville and brother, John (Janet) McMasters of Plain Township.  He absolutely adored his wife and best friend of 53 years (‘Bunny’) and doted over his grandchildren.  He also had a fondness for numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews.  People that knew him will miss Dan the most for his humor and counsel.  He knew a lot of people in his community but he wasn’t keeping score.  He worked well together with people for the same mission.  Mass of Christian burial will at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 27th at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Very Reverand John E. Sheridan, S.T.L.  Interment will immediately follow at St. John’s Cemetery.  Wackerly Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Stark County Humane Society at: https://starkhumane.org.  Their mailing address is P.O. Box 7077 Canton, Ohio 44705. 

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