Charles W. Masters 1952-2025

He was born Jan. 19, 1952, to George and Martha. He leaves behind his two brothers, James (Kathy) and Paul (Joyce).

Their sister, Sally, preceded him in death. Charlie helped Sally live and thrive in Canfield her entire adult life.

Charlie was a lifelong area resident of Canfield. A graduate of Canfield High School in 1970, he attended Kenyon College and graduated from Miami University in 1975 and later achieved his certification as a CPA. He worked for Ernst & Ernst during the 1970s and 1980s.

Charlie and Sunny (Alison Deibel) had three sons, Victor, Alex and Charles. The next tier of the family resulted in a team of grandchildren: Jadyn, Phoebe, Addy, Sarah, Sol, Charley, Dexter, Luella, Trent, Sunny, Elena, Gabriel, Gavin and Quinn.

Charlie spent a great deal of his time with his grandkids. He had a folder for each of them to arrange their basketball camp and keep track of their schedules, and mostly just keep them busy. You could see his joy and happiness in the successes of his grandkids. His most recent struggle was trying to attend six basketball games per week. It took someone very special to accept all of the missed dinners and late nights.

Charlie and Teresa Hamilton Masters were married in 2012. Teresa built a home with Charlie. With Teresa, Charlie widened his family with Phillip (Annie), Becky (Jack), Abby and grandchildren Matthew, Kate, and Miles. There were countless other cousins, in-laws and friends close enough to be considered immediate family. There were scores of people in their home. They all felt welcome. Sitting around the living room, extended family seemed to have their own chairs to watch football, basketball or whatever sport it happened to be. Their home was filled with art, cats, dogs and family. Anyone who knew Charlie before Teresa could tell that now, he was calm, happy and loved. Teresa made sure of that. The family is infinitely thankful and grateful.

Charlie was a member of The Butler Institute of American Art for the past 10 years and was a board member. He had wonderful art at his home. He was a member of the choir at Canfield United Methodist Church, and Phoebe had the opportunity to share the experience with him. He also sang in the Stambaugh chorus, and Becky had the opportunity to share the experience with him. He was a legacy member of the Cantankerous Americans, following in his father’s footsteps.

He worked up until his last days. With his lifelong friend and business partner, Morris Simon, he worked on a multitude of projects, from developing Stonebridge and Laurel Hills to running an oil and gas company in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Morris was a true friend to Charlie.

Charlie was a very giving person. In keeping with his generous nature, he gave the gift of life through organ donation.

Those wishing to participate in his generosity may donate to GabbaCamp at gabbacamp.com, The Purple Cat at bigpurplecat.com, or whatever charity you feel is worthwhile.

A funeral service will be celebrated 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Canfield United Methodist Church. Calling hours will be prior to the service, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Inurnment will follow in Canfield Village Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. Family and friends are invited to visit www.higgins-reardon.com to share memories and condolences.

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