Richard Steven Masters

Richard Steven Masters, a longtime resident of Dedham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his son’s home in Dedham on September 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 91 years old.

Richard was born on February 14, 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late John Joseph and Helen Arline (Ekberg) Masters. He graduated from Norfolk Agricultural High School in Walpole and went on to enjoy a long career in sales, working as a sales representative for Edlin Sales Co. He was also a former member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Dedham.

Richard had a lifelong love of cars and auto racing. A true racing enthusiast, he was a member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), and his passion for cars remained an important part of his life through the years.

As much as Richard loved racing, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he took tremendous pride in the family he and his beloved wife, Frances, built together. He especially cherished being surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Watching his family grow through the generations brought him great happiness, and the time spent together created memories his family will carry with them always.

Richard shared 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife, the late Frances Louise (Savino) Masters. Together they raised six children and built a life centered around family. Her passing left a tremendous void, but the life and family they created together remained a source of great pride and comfort to Richard.

He was predeceased by his son, Paul D. Masters; his daughter, Lisa K. Masters; his sister, Arline Masters; and his grandson, David Masters.

Richard is survived by his sons, Richard S. Masters Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Halifax, and John S. Masters and his wife, Maureen, of Dedham; his daughters, Tami L. Masters of Bourne and Carrie A. Diauto and her husband, Eric, of Mashpee; and his sisters, Judith Belanger of Grafton and Carol Obin of Dedham.

He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren, including his late grandson, David Masters. He is survived by his 11 grandchildren: Richard M. Ruo, Lisa K. Perry, Shelly M. Pitts, Sarah K. Hanley, Kathleen E. Henriquez, Maxwell S. Masters, Kristina F. Kassab, Karilyn L. Ruiz, Kimberley B. Murphy, Ashlynn R. Diauto, and Gianna S. Diauto.

Richard was also fortunate to see his family grow to include 17 great-grandchildren:

Harper, Victoria, Emily, Julia, Marlee, Winter, Juliana, Savannah, Liliana, Angelo Jr., Shay, Kora, Dempsey, Sienna, Cecilia, Gabriella, and Miles. Each held a special place in his heart.

Richard’s children, grandchildren, and the entire Masters family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Maureen for the extraordinary love, care, and devotion she gave Richard throughout his final years. Maureen gave so much of herself to make sure Dad was comfortable, cared for, and surrounded by love. Her tireless efforts, patience, compassion, and unwavering devotion allowed him to remain close to his family and brought him comfort and peace each day.

The family’s gratitude to Maureen extends far beyond the care she gave Richard. Over the years, she also lovingly cared for Richard’s beloved wife, Frances, and their son, Paul, during times when they needed her most. She gave each of them the same compassion, patience, dignity, and selfless devotion that she later gave Richard. Her willingness to be there, time and again, for those she loved has been an extraordinary gift to the entire Masters family.

There are simply not enough words to express what Maureen has meant to this family. Through some of life’s most difficult moments, she was there with loving hands, quiet strength, and reassurance, never hesitating to give of herself. The care and dignity she provided to Richard, Frances, and Paul will never be forgotten. The Masters family will forever be grateful for her selflessness, her strength, and, most of all, the love she gave so freely to each of them.

Richard leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of memories that will continue to be shared for generations. He will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for racing and cars, and, above all, the important place he held in the lives of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.