Donald L. Masten

Attorney Donald L. Masten was born in Wilmington, Delaware on January 16, 1932. He passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2025 at the age of 93. Graduating from Penns Grove Regional High School in 1949, he graduated from Dickinson College in 1953 and Dickinson Law School in 1955. He was admitted to the Bar of the State of New Jersey and the District of Columbia in 1956. Serving on active duty with the United States Army from 1956-1958, he was Honorably Discharged. He has served as the Solicitor for the municipalities of Elmer, Penns Grove, Oldmans, Elsinboro, Quinton, Penns Grove Housing Authority, and as Penns Grove Municipal Court Judge. Donald was a member of the Salem County, New Jersey State, and American Bar Associations and the New Jersey Association of Trial Lawyers, serving as President of the Salem County Bar Association. He has served on the Salem County Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel and Salem County Civil Bar Panel. He served as Chairman of the Board of Penn Bancshares, Inc. and Pennsville National Bank. In addition to his other duties, he was a Trustee of Wesley College and is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He enjoyed traveling and spending time at the local diners and donut shop. He would meet up with the Beach Avenue Boys to share stories from the past. His love for the Philadelphia Eagles was only surpassed by his love for the Phillies. He enjoyed being a Monday morning quarterback during football season and then falling asleep while he listened to the baseball games at night. He was a Little League coach for many years and loved to reminisce about the games. He would read every newspaper in the area and make notes about their content. He always looked forward to reading the Elmer Times on a weekly basis because of their focus on the community that was near and dear to his heart. He was always proud to start up and be the Chairman of a community bank that was able to give back to the county he lived in. He believed everyone should have a strong sense of community. He is predeceased by his mother Anne Lister Masten and father Norman Masten, along with his brother Charles N. Masten. He is survived by his wife Faith (nee Justice) of 57 years, daughter Hope (Greg) Ledford of Charlotte, NC, daughter Deborah (Andrew) Fry of Lancaster, PA, and son William (Lisa) Masten of Pennsville, NJ. His legacy includes five grandchildren; Bradley and Kate Fry, along with Joshua, Grace, and Emma Masten. A visitation will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church from 10am to noon on May 31, 2025. A memorial service will follow at noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ranch Hope.

Donald L. Masten

January 16, 1932 - May 16, 2025