Ralph J. Masterjohn

Memory Eternal! + Ralph Masterjohn

"Scripture brought me to the gate of Paradise, the mind stood in wonder as it entered." 
                                                                                             ~ Saint Ephraim the Syrian

West Brookfield - Ralph John Masterjohn, 94, of West Brookfield, fell asleep in The Lord on Saturday evening, February 10, 2018 in his home.  Leaving his beloved wife of 72 years, Charmaine, along with their eight children, Carol, John, Victor, Nicholas, Paul, Peter, Christine and George.  He was predeceased by two other siblings, Irene and Victor, both of whom died as children.  His legacy continues with his 18 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and their first great, great grandchild, who just turned one year.

Ralph was born in Marlboro, MA in 1923 to the late John and Helen Masterjohn. He was one of six children.  His siblings are the late Constantine "Dino", Paul, Phillip "Robbie", Laurette, and Joan.

Ralph and his young wife and first child moved to New York City in 1947 for better job opportunities and to be close to family and Christian brothers.  His dad was the flame that sparked his love for the Lord and the desire to learn and impart these truths.  This was to be a driving force for his entire life.  He was an excellent speaker and was ordained a Lay Preacher by Archbishop Michael of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of New York in 1950.  He spoke at many churches in the NY metropolitan area.  He gave many thought provoking and soul searching sermons.  He and several of his Christian brothers began the Orthodox Christian Youth movement and met at the archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan, where interested individuals could come and learn about their faith.  They also printed a periodical called "The Light of Orthodoxy".

Ralph worked at Sperry Gyroscope as a technician.  He also learned the TV repair business and repaired televisions in people's homes in the evenings after work.  This was the catalyst for opening his own parts and electronics store.  In 1969, he opened M&K Electronics on Northern Blvd. in Flushing, NY.  It thrived and spawned a CB radio store down the street.  Family members all worked there from time to time, and it was well known in the area.

When his third eldest moved back to Massachusetts to raise his family on an old farm, Ralph and Charmaine also moved back and helped build the Orthodox Christian Mission and Retreat Center and bookstore, where lectures, retreats, presbyters meetings and camp outings were held.  His legacy continues with the active mission parish of "The Holy Protection of the Mother of God" ROCOR diocese, which has regular services in the Chapel on the premises.

Ralph lived to spread the truth of Orthodoxy with richness and humility and touched so many in his lifetime.  He continued to spread the word into his senior years with his blog: http://thetruechrist.blogspot.com/

          His love will continue in our hearts, as we pray:
                       "May his memory be eternal +"

A Funeral Service for Ralph will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 12:00 noon, at the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Chapel, 280 New Braintree Rd, in West Brookfield.  Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018, beginning at 7:00PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the:  Holy Protection Mission, P.O. Box 287, West Brookfield, MA 01585.  Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main Street in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.

varnumfuneralhome.com

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