In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, Former Rumson Beauty Salon Hairdresser, Carmela Mastria, 99

Longtime Rumsonite and former Rumson Beauty Salon hairdresser, Carmela “Camille” Mastria, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, April 25. She was 99.

Born in Sant’ Andrea, Calabria, Italy, Carmela moved to Red Bank in 1934, when she was 6 years old, with her family to seek a better life in America.

After graduating from Red Bank High School, she attended beautician school in NY and became a hairdresser working in several shops in the local area before spending 35 years at Rumson Beauty Salon before retiring. There, she was lovingly known as “Camille” to all her clients and co-workers.

She met the love of her life and in the next life, Louis, at a wedding and they were married for 57 years before his passing in 2003.

“She was a devoted wife and friend that together, created a bond that was so wonderful to witness and learn how life together should be lived in a marriage. She loved the beach, traveling the world and dancing with her husband. She enjoyed entertaining her many friends and guests in her home and was a die hard NY Yankee fan.

“There were so many people touched by her beautiful smile, warm heart, and welcoming tone when she asked if you were hungry as you walked through the door before even saying hello. In the refrigerator, there was a forever present pot of sauce with meatballs and sausage ready to be devoured by anyone who would dare to walk into her kitchen. You would never leave on an empty stomach and destined to return for another sample as soon as possible.

“She was an example of what motherhood is all about in that she had an unconditional love for her children that would never waver. We could always count on feeling that security blanket of love from her at every turn or situation without question.

“In the end, her thoughts and wishes were for her family to be happy and remember her for her love, generosity, and compassion for all of us. She was loved by many and special to all that had the privilege and pleasure to know her.”
Loved ones of Carmela Mastria in her obituary

Carmela is survived by: her three children, Frances Sharkan and her husband, Dr. Keith Sharkan, of Malvern, PA, Louis Mastria Jr. and his wife, Ann Marie, of Magnolia, DE, and John Mastria and his wife, Karen, of Middletown; seven grandchildren, Christopher, Brian, John Jr., Jeannette, Louis, Michael, and Nicholas; and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on May 16 at 11 a.m. at The Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Red Bank, followed by interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Carmela’s memory be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 785 Springfield Ave., Summit, NJ 07901.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home