Donna M. Masi

1942 – 2026

Donna M. Masi, 83, of Rome, passed away on Wednesday April 29, 2026. She was born in Rome, N.Y. on December 5, 1942, daughter of the late Dominick and Maria Lucia Masi.

Donna was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree with Honors from Utica College of Syracuse University and furthered her education in the Master of Business Administration program at Syracuse University. Donna was employed at the former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome for her entire career in an eclectic variety of positions including: as a Computer Aide for the Rome Air Development Center (RADC), GE-645 computer which, at the time, was one of the largest computer systems in use for research work; as Executive Secretary to the 416th Bomb Wing Commander, who was Host Commander for all of Griffiss AFB; and as a Contracting Officer for RADC/Air Force Research Lab (Rome Lab), the position from which she retired.

Her past memberships include the Utica College National Alumni Council (Sec/Treas); the Griffiss Chapter of Utica College Alumni (Vice Pres; Pres), local Chapter of the National Contract Management Association, Rome Dollars for Scholars, Literacy Volunteers, Rome Business and Professional Women’s Organization (Yellow Rose of Challenge Recipient); among others.

Donna enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling. Her most memorable trip was to Europe for two months (on a shoe string) with her beloved late sister, Martha. After landing in Amsterdam, they traveled to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, and England, visiting many of Europe’s most iconic sites along the way. A high point of the trip was becoming acquainted with relatives in Italy.

Surviving are a sister, Rosemary Shackelford, a niece and two nephews, Anita (Michael) Farry, Michael (Joyce) Shackelford, and Murray (Jamie) Shackelford, Jr, great nieces and great nephews; Elizabeth, Madeline, Jacob, Andrew, Martina, and Lucas; a great-great niece and two great-great nephews, Hudson, Olivia, and Brooks. She was predeceased by her parents, Dominick and Maria, a sister, Martha, and her brother-in-law, Murray Shackelford, Sr.

According to Donna’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private Graveside Service will be held in Rome Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Donna’s name may be made to Jervis Public Library, 613 North Washington Street, Rome, N.Y. 13440-4296 or online at www.jervislibrary.org/support.

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, N.Y. 13440.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.