Byron "Barney" J. Masserant, age 88 of Newport, MI, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 15th while vacationing in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Born May 21, 1933 in Newport, MI, Barney was the son of the late Chester and Marie (Blanchett) Masserant. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School in 1951. He married Odella "Nellie" G. Arquette on October 20, 1956 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Rockwood. Together they raised five children. Sadly, she preceded him in death on January 17, 2013.
Barney had a long working career at Detroit Edison, primarily as a Crane and Elevator Repairman. He was employed for 42 years, retiring in 1995. He was also a lifelong farmer and was known to have one of the best vegetable gardens in Newport.
Barney was an active member of St. Charles Catholic Church. He served as an usher, a member of its Dad's Club, and was the chairman of the first church festival in 1970. He was also a member of Monroe Council 1266 Knights of Columbus, Newport Firefighters Association, Berlin Twp. Senior Citizens and Frenchtown Senior Citizens. Throughout his life, Barney enjoyed traveling, playing cards, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling.
Barney is survived by his five children: Rick (Barb) Masserant of Mancelona, MI, Randy (Karen) Masserant, Sr. of Newport, Rhonda (John) Haener of Newport, Renee (Phillip) Roberts of Newport, and Robin (Mark) Alford of South Burlington, VT; brother, Gary (Colleen) Masserant of Newport; brother-in-law, Robert (Carolyn) Bosman of Carolina Shores, NC; nine grandchildren: Brittany (Jacob) Kohler, Megan (David) Long, Randy (Alisha) Masserant, Jr., Samantha (Skylar) Mason, Kevin (Chelsea) Haener, Kelsey (Daniel) Smith, Keith Haener, Kyle Haener, and Rachel Roberts; six great-grandchildren: Bentley, Hailey, Connor, Shiann, Sawyer, William, with one more due in January; and his companion, Mary Lue Manor.
In addition to his parents and wife, Barney is preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Bosman.
Family and friends may visit from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bacarella Funeral Home where the Knights of Columbus will offer a Rosary/Litany service at 7 p.m. Barney will lie in state at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by family friend, Monsignor Todd Lajiness, Rector at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery.
Memorial donations are suggested to St. Charles Church to support its building needs.