Mr John B. Massa

John B. Massa, 86, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 25, 1940, in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York, John was the son of the late Dominic J. Massa and Adelina P. Massa. John lived a life defined by curiosity, service, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people. He possessed a remarkable analytical mind, but those who knew him best will remember that his greatest strength was his heart. He treated others with respect, saw the good in everyone he met, and believed that kindness was one of life's most important values. He was a loyal friend, devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, and beloved uncle. John served his country in the United States Army before beginning a distinguished career in federal service. While working full-time as a substitute with the United States Post Office Department, he put himself through college, earning a bachelor's degree from C.W. Post College and later a master's degree from the University of Denver. He began his professional career as a statistician with the U.S. Air Force Accounting and Finance Center in Denver, Colorado, later transferring to the Naval Weapons Station in Concord, California. In 1971, he joined the U.S. Army Major Item Data Agency at Letterkenny Army Depot as an Operations Research Analyst, where he worked until his retirement in 1992. John's love of mathematics and statistics never faded. In retirement, he taught statistics at Penn State Mont Alto and Shippensburg University, enjoying the opportunity to share his knowledge with others. He also worked at the Chambersburg Off-Track Betting Parlor, where he delighted in applying statistical analysis and probability to horse racing. John enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening, and games of chance that challenged his mathematical mind. Friends and family often admired his ability to find patterns where others saw luck. He also loved caring for his many dogs throughout his life, especially his beloved Black Labs. Family and faith were important to John throughout his life. He shared more than 57 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Patricia. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, learning, and unwavering support for their daughters. John treasured time spent with his many nieces and nephews, taking genuine interest in their lives and celebrating their accomplishments. An active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church for many years, John faithfully served as an usher, quietly welcoming parishioners with the same kindness and respect that defined his life. John is survived by his wife, Patricia Massa; his daughters, Lisa Massa, Diana Massa (Scott) of North Carolina, and Gina Massa (Randy) of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; his sister, Barbara Gurney (Graham) of Bedford Hills, New York; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the mass. Memorial donations may be made to: St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, c/o Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to a charity of your choice that reflects John's belief in kindness by helping others and spreading good. If John hoped to leave anything behind, it was not his accomplishments or degrees, but the simple belief that kindness matters-that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and that there is good to be found in everyone. Condolences may be expressed at www.sellersfuneralhome.com.

Mr John B. Massa

February 25, 1940 - June 27, 2026