Robert Wesley Mast

Robert Wesley Mast, 64, died November 6, 2016 following a five year journey with Multiple Myeloma. Born in Clarence Center, NY on April 27, 1952, Robert was the son of the late William and Lovina (Nafziger) Mast. He graduated from Alden High School in 1969, and Eastern Mennonite College in 1974.
On May 5, 1974, Robert married Merle Erb Mast, who survives. They lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for 3 years, and Rochester, New York for 10 years, where he was a senior engineer at Hydroacoustics, Incorporated. There he built early computers from component parts, beginning a long technical career. In 1987 his family moved to Keezletown, Virginia, where he was a systems integrator at Shenandoah Electronic Intelligence and Technology, and then systems engineer at James Madison University from 1990 - 2011. He was known for volunteering his computer expertise with non-profit agencies and friends.
Robert valued his relationships over nearly 30 years with five families in a community farm partnership. He used his practical talents and common sense to build his own house and to pursue varied interests, including raising cattle, gardening, growing shitake mushrooms, and bee-keeping. He also enjoyed computer gaming, visiting with friends and family, and traveling the world.
In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by a son, Zachary Alan Mast and wife Karen Stanton Mast, and granddaughter Elise Rhiannon Mast of North Springfield, VA; and a daughter, Chelsea Anne Mast and husband Jonathan Stewart of Harrisonburg, VA. He is also survived by four siblings and three sisters-in-law: brother Joseph Mast of Lancaster, PA; sister Suzanna Mast Crump and husband David of Cohoes, NY; brother Alan Mast and wife Cindy of Brownsburg, Indiana; sister Christina Mast Burnett and husband Tom of Akron, PA; sisters-in-law Barbara Mast Gerber of Brutus, MI; Martha Mast of Lititz, PA; and Shirley Mast of Graham, NC. Robert was preceded in death by three brothers, John Mast, Charles Mast, and Richard Mast, and a sister-in-law Nancy Mast.
Friends can visit with the family on Friday, November 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Robert's life will be held on Saturday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m. (following additional visitation at 10:00 a.m.) at Park View Mennonite Church.
In lieu of flowers, Robert would like you to take your loved ones, or just yourself, out for ice cream.
Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com
Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.