Dominges M. Maseda, 82, Was Master Carpenter

Dominges M. Maseda, who was born, raised and worked on Martha's Vineyard, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 27. Mr. Maseda was a master carpenter.

He was the son of the late Alexandria R. Maseda and Antone M. Maseda of Vineyard Haven and was born on March 16, 1921, at his home on Pine street, Vineyard Haven. He attended the Tisbury School.

In 1938, he started working at the First National Store, Vineyard Haven, for four years. The war broke out in 1941, and during that time the military was looking for help. He felt it was his duty to help defend our way of life.

He enlisted in the United States Army's Engineering Regiment on Oct. 10, 1942. He was sent to Fort Leonardwood in Missouri for training, and he departed for the European Theater, assigned to Delta Company 360th Engineer Regiment, on June 24, 1943, arriving on the European soil July 1, 1943. He supported the battles in Northern France, along the Rhineland River and on the Middle Eastern Front. His military medals included The European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He left the European Theater on Nov. 19, 1945 and was honorably discharged on Dec. 3, 1945.

Upon discharge, he returned to the Island and took up residence again at Pine street in Vineyard Haven. He took on a carpentry position with Desorcy Inc. on Beach Road. For the next 41 years, from December of 1945 to September 1986, he would perform as a master skilled carpenter. He was a Tisbury fire department member on Engine Number Two for 21 years, from March 1957 to October 1978.

On Sept. 11, 1950, he and Dorothy Combra were married at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs; they made their home at 116 North William street for the next 53 years.

Mr. Maseda is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy A. (Combra) Maseda. He is survived by his daughter, son in law and granddaughters, Sandra R., Raynold Risdal and Kirsten B., Heather A., Theressa A. and Kelley R., all of Hyannis; daughter, granddaughter and great-grandson, Belinda A., Stephanie Andrade and Nicholas Andrade of Vineyard Haven; his son, daughter in law and grandchildren, Preston J., Lorie J., Rachel P. and Keith J., all of Colorado; his son, Kevin M. of Bangor, Me.; his son, Michael M. of Vineyard Haven; his brother, sister in law and nephew and niece, Antone Maseda, Jane Maseda, James Maseda from Oak Bluffs, Antoinette Reed from Rhode Island and all of their family members; his nephew and niece from predeceased brother Augustine Maseda, Bobby Maseda and Debbie Conley and all of their family members of Falmouth; his nieces from predeceased brother David Maseda, Melanie Maseda and Pam Huff and all of their family members; from predeceased sister Roselina Ferro, his nephews and niece, Gilbert Maseda, Johnny Ferro and Roselina Ferro of New Bedford; his nephews and niece of predeceased brother Carl Maseda, Ronnie, Philip and Mary Maseda, all of Falmouth; his sister in law and nephews and niece, Gladys Welch, Neil and Darrin Welch and Diane Welch of Vineyard Haven; his brother in law, sister in law and nephew, Charlie, Barbara and Craig Combra and all of their family members; his brother in law, sister in law and many of their family members, Warren and Maxine Combra. His many Island friends also survive Mr. Maseda.

A visitation will be held at noon on Saturday, August 30, at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs followed by a 1 p.m. graveside service at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, the Cancer Society of America, the Vineyard Nursing Association, Box 2568, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.