Benedict Mastrototaro

Castleton- Benedict (Benedetto) Mastrototaro, age 88, of Castleton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family and friends, on Monday, November 3, 2025. His passing was due to complications from a long, heroic battle with a form of Parkinson's Disease.

Born Benedetto Mastrototaro to Michael and Maria Concetta Mastrototaro in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y. on August 12, 1937, Ben was the oldest of five children. Raised in Greenpoint and educated in Catholic parochial schools, he completed his secondary education at Regis High School in Manhattan. He spent several years as a brother in the Order of St. Francis on Long Island, NY before leaving the order when he realized he was not meant for life as a Franciscan. He moved to Albany to attend first Siena College, and then Teacher's College, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree. He married Nancy Lee Patrick of Pittsfield, MA., and eventually settled with her in the Castleton/Schodack area, where they raised four children.

After several years working for the NYS Teachers Retirement System, he worked for a decade with the NYS Division of Substance Abuse Services, and then for two decades in NYS Medicaid, eventually becoming an Associate Commissioner of MMIS. Outside of work, he was a devoted husband and father, and he spent a great deal of time volunteering his services with several non-profits. He was also a dedicated parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Castleton, participating as a lay minister, lector, choir member, parish council member, CCD teacher, Samaritan, and AIDS Outreach Care Team member.

Ben was also an avid amateur actor, performing in plays and musicals with various Capital District community theaters over the years.

After the passing of his wife Nancy in 2010, he spent his remaining years with his loving partner, Karyn Trossbach of Castleton.

He is predeceased by his wife Nancy, his parents Michael and Maria Concetta, and his brothers, Dominic and Angelo Mastrototaro. He is survived by his partner Karyn; his children, Michael (Richard) Mastro of Manhattan, Teresa (Adam) McIlravey of Halfmoon, William (Giselle) Mastrototaro of Atlanta, GA, and Nancy "Liz" (Michael) Tuttle of Castleton; his grandchildren, Adam Connor McIlravey, Vincent (Jordan), Thomas (Hannah) and Daniel (Lauren) Mastrototaro, Sidney and Jace Tuttle; his great-grandchildren, Jack and Sophia Mastrototaro; his sisters, Stella (Joe) Boyle and Mina (Art) Tremblay; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Casey. He is also survived by Karyn's daughters, Heather (Mark Arndt) Parker and Jaclyn (Wayne) Dusenbery; her grandchildren, Maddie Parker and Jack Dusenbery; and numerous extended family members and countless friends.

His family would like to thank Doctor Eric Molho and Nurse Practitioner Mischelle Morgan, as well as Schott's Boxing Gym, for their excellent care and support of Ben during his battle with Parkinson's.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ben's family from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Castleton Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Avenue, Castleton, NY 12033.

Ben's funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Sacred Heart Church, 3 Catholic Way, Castleton, NY 12033, with a reception directly following in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope Soars at hopesoars.org, or to St. Peter's Community Hospice Foundation at givetocommunityhospice.org/donate (or mail to 310 South Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208).