Obituary of Paul Mastriani

Schenectady - Paul L. Mastriani, 81, of Consaul Rd., died Saturday, February 4, 2017, at home. Devoted husband, father, grandfather musician, composer and stenographer. Paul was born in Schenectady, the son of Louis and Mary Mastriani. He was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School and Spencer Business School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, a graduate of the Navy Sonar School, while stationed at Cape Hatteras. He enjoyed Cape Hatteras so much he continued to vacation there with his family and enjoyed his passion for fishing. He also enjoyed wintering for over 20 years in Treasure Island, FL. He had been a Court Stenographer for the NY Supreme Court, mostly working in Schenectady, retiring several years ago. His musical interest started as a child, the first band he was in was the Gene James Trio. Through the years he helped compose music for plays including Who Said What to Who in 1973 and Don't Just Sit There in 1976. In 1985, he composed for Anthony Zano's Gotta Take Time performance at Carnegie Hall. He played with several groups in the Capital District at locations including Jazz on Jay, The Van Dyke, Stoney's Irish Grill and the Stockade Inn, earning a Lifetime Achievement Award from Swingtime Magazine. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Mastriani; three children, Diana Preiss (Steven J. Preiss), Paula Burnor (Jim) and Paul Mastriani (Colleene Abair); two grandchildren, Lindsay Marie Preiss(Joseph R. DeStefano) and Nathan Preiss and cousins Anthony Mone and Robert Mone. Calling hours will be Wednesday afternoon 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the evening at the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Paul was quoted in a January 3, 1986 Daily Gazette article about music: "It's beyond liking, I loved it; it's something I have to do." He will be remembered for his wit, deliverance of humor and held his humor to the end. His family would like to extend special thanks of their care to Paul, to Dr. Goodman and staff, to the Interventional Radiology Staff, especially Burton and Shirley, to Marsha of Palliative Care Services, Gary at Walgreen's and last but not least Dr. William Feeney.