Joseph Mastrull

. Joseph R. “Buddy” Mastrull, 83, longtime resident of Middlesex, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones. Buddy grew up in the West end of Bound Brook and loved telling stories of his merry prankster days on Franklin Street. He was an avid card player and sports fan, the Yankees being his greatest passion. Buddy was a consummate athlete himself, having been a third baseman, pitcher, and umpire in several local leagues. He also volunteered as a coach for the Middlesex High School baseball team. During his career days, Buddy worked as an independent real estate broker and negotiator for the NJ Department of Transportation. After graduating from BBHS, he served in Panama with the U.S. Army and was especially proud of his maneuvers as a paratrooper. He attended Rutgers upon his return from the Army. Buddy was married for 41 years to his high school sweetheart, Barbara McMullen, who passed away in 1997. Buddy is survived by his 4 beloved children and their spouses, Jeff Mastrull and his wife Sara of Brick; Jill Biagio and her husband Chuck of Highlands; Jane Carter and her husband Steven of Tempe, Arizona; and Joe Mastrull and his wife Nancy of Flemington. He is also survived by 9 cherished grandchildren and their spouses, Jennifer and Rich Eodice of Middlesex; Heather and Rich Reedy of South Bound Brook; Janna and Paul Biagio of Highlands; Neil Biagio of San Francisco, California; Jason and Meghan Carter of Chandler, Arizona; Christopher “CJ” Carter of Tempe, Arizona; Patrick Carter of Tempe, Arizona; Brianna Mastrull of Branchburg; and Eric Mastrull of Somerville. Buddy is also survived by 7 darling great-grandchildren, Richie and Aiden Eodice; Juliana Reedy; Madison, Avery, and Ethan Carter; and Evienne Biagio. Buddy also leaves behind his longtime companion, Josephine Ianneillo of Somerset, and 2 siblings, Jimmy Mastrull and his wife Linda of Flemington; and Joan Dudash and her husband Bob (deceased) of Cary, North Carolina. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home in Bound Brook. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Catholic Church in Middlesex, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway. Memorial donations may be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, 1802 West Parkside Lane