Barry Masterson is a notable graduate of Cathedral Prep. He left his mark in several ways while attending here, including being the school’s quarterback for four years, being a player on the basketball squad, setting a good example in the classroom, and also establishing lots of friendships within the school.
“I graduated in 1966,” Masterson said, “I went to Catholic grade school at St. Joe’s. All my friends were going to Prep and my older brother Jay, class of ‘62, went there as well, so that’s what brought me to Prep.”
Reminiscing on his time at Prep, Mr. Masterson recalled several things about the school that made him proud to be a Rambler.
“If I were to think of a word to describe my time at Prep, it would be ‘unforgettable’,” Masterson continued. “The athletics I participated in and the friendships that I made [were amazing], as was the experience of sharing and working with others for a common goal. Many of [my friends from high school] are still my best friends. I’m currently in a book club with Joe Bufalino, Ernie DiSantis & Gary Lillies, all 1966 Prep graduates, with their wives included in the club as well.”
“[One of my favorite traditions at Prep was] after every football game. [The team] went to the cathedral and prayed on the steps to Mary, ‘Queen of Prep’.”
“Looking back on a favorite teacher, I’d say mine would be then Fr. Biebel , who eventually became Monsignor,” Masterson said.
Masterson had a great time while being a student at Cathedral Prep, but when he thinks of any regrets he may have about his time here, only one thing came to mind.
“I regret not playing basketball my senior year,” he said. “I played football and wanted to concentrate on my grades.”
So where is Barry now?
“I am currently retired. [However], I had held various positions in manufacturing. [These included]: Plant Manager, Materials Control Manager, and Industrial Engineering Manager.”
“I have a great family, I play golf regularly and have great friends! I’m living out my dream,” Masterson exclaimed.
To conclude this interview, I asked Masterson to sum up Prep in one word.
“Excellence,” Masterson said bluntly. “The many friendships made and the great times shared [were unforgettable]. Also, academically Prep especially prepared me for college. Prep gave me the tools and preparation needed to obtain a college degree.”
In retrospect, Mr. Masterson is an awesome individual to have passed through the halls of this institution. It was a pleasure interviewing him, and even more entertaining to hear about his career while he attended our school. He gave me solid advice for how to finish my time here, told me some cool stories about his time at the school, and also how happy he is that his life has played out the way it has even after graduation from the school.
