Master and Commander
Posts: 1434
Location: NE Florida | Subject: Sunday Obits
https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/
The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.
I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.
DELFINO .. .. .. April 25, 1924 – July 18, 2010 Jim Delfino, a longtime Cloverdale resident and local business owner passed away Sunday, July 18 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. He was born in South San Francisco, grew up working in the shipyards, and found his passion becoming a young electrician and teaching adults the trade at the age of 13. Jim served his country in World War II as a head electrician and controller of the U.S.S. Tunny, a submarine in the United States navy. He was recognized by the President of the United States on two different occasions for bravery and leadership. He met and fell in love with his wife Betty Delfino, whom he affectionately called “Skip”, and was married for almost 65 years. Together they had eight children, 20 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren to enjoy and watch grow up. Jim enjoyed his family time, fishing, ice skating, anything to do with John Wayne, and especially working. He owned and operated Delfino Electric in Cloverdale for many years and worked until his body wouldn’t allow him to work anymore. He will be missed at all the local restaurants and coffee shops as he was one of the family everywhere he went. He spent his last days watching submarine movies and making people laugh.
MASTERSON .. .. .. Captain Leo S. (Matt) Masterson, USN (Ret) age 95, passed away on February 23, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death in 2013 by his wife of more than 60 years, Bernadine.
At the age of 17, Matt enlisted in the United States Navy as an apprentice seaman. As a “Mustang” he retired with the rank of Captain. He was a submariner for over 30 years; serving on nine submarines, a submarine tender, four submarine staffs and a battleship. Matt commanded the USS Blackfin (SS-322). During his time in the Navy, he trained seamen on over 50 different submarines.
Beyond his naval career, Matt dedicated more than 50 years to the Boy Scouts (he founded Troop 500 in San Diego) and was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his leadership and service.
Prior to his retirement from the Navy, Matt graduated from SDSU with a degree in finance. After retiring, he worked as a consultant in the nuclear energy business.
Matt enjoyed hiking, backpacking (Grand Canyon, John Muir Trail, San Gorgonio, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. Fuji were favorites), skiing, and traveling the world with Bernadine. Together they visited over 100 countries.
As he often said, “Life was great!” in reference to his Navy career.
HEIST .. .. .. Norwich – Robert Perry "Bob" Heist Sr. of 252 Old Canterbury Turnpike, Norwich went home to his Lord Friday, April 10, 2026. Bob was born Oct. 3, 1927, in Norristown, Pa. In 1945, he married his sweetheart Joan (Michener). They were married for 65 years and had four children.
He served in the U. S. Navy for 20 years, entering in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1965. His highest rank was quarter master.
Bob was employed for 25 years at Electric Boat Company working in weight engineering. As his children were growing up, Bob was active in Boy Scouts, was a basketball coach for the Ledyard Boys League and umpired baseball.
He served as the Lord led him at Groton Bible Fellowship.
Bob was an active member of the Sub Veteran's Club of Groton, and an avid Huskies women's basketball follower.
He is survived by his daughter Linda Heist of Norwich; sons, Bob Jr. (Janice) Heist of Port St. Lucie, Fla., James (Betty) Heist of Norwich, Charlene Heist, daughter-in-law; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by Joan, his wife of 65 years; and son Frank Heist; and his second wife, Claire (Trembley) Heist.
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Sunday Obits
