Obituary of Vic Masanko

Victor “Vic” Masanko passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. He had shared 51 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and priceless memories with family and friends.

Born in Paterson to Ginadiy and Maria Masanko, he was the last born of five children, raised in Montville, to bless their household. He graduated from Montville High School, Class of 1989, before earning his Associate’s Degree from County College of Morris. Vic married the love of his life and true partner in crime, Denise Willmott, on May 26, 1996. Together they settled into West Milford to raise a family of their own. He always worked hard to support his family. He began his career in the financial industry before finding his true calling as an Electrician. For the past 20 years Vic has been employed with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102 in Parsippany.

Vic’s first priority in life was family and friends. He was an attentive husband, doting father, dependable son and brother, and a trustworthy friend. Sports were intermingled with home life since Vic was a kid. Growing up he played football, lacrosse, hockey, and countless bowling games thanks to his parents managing two bowling alleys. His love for sports continued through his favorite teams, Cowboys and Rangers, and through his 17+ years in coaching. He coached both his sons in the West Milford Youth lacrosse. He also coached Devils Youth Hockey and the NJ Rockets. Vic was an exceptional coach. He took pride in the game and truly cared about the players. He was not only their coach for the game, but also a mentor, counselor, and educator for life in general. Along with help from his family, Vic also was part of the “Hitmen” group which allowed for them to change the lives of many athletes by providing housing and so much more.

When Vic wasn’t watching sports, coaching, or working, you could find him enjoying life with loved ones. There were many celebrations with their extended family “The Tomensky’s” which often ended up with playing Ride The Bus and Vic always ending up as the Bus Driver. His happy place was near the water; his most favorite place being on his boat, by his family home in Barnegat Bay.

He was one a kind and will be sorely missed and forever treasured in our hearts and memories. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his son in Heaven, Dominick and his sister, Nina.

His legacy will continue on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Denise; his cherished sons, Alexei and Zander; his loving parents, Gerry and Maria; his caring siblings, Elizavet DeStefano, Nicholas (Carrie) Masanko, and Alexander (Lisa) Masanko; his dear nieces and nephews, Justin, Nicole, Thomas, Kaitlin, Danielle, Paige, and Mitchell; his adopted family, the Tomensky’s; and many more extended family and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 17th from 3 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 18th at 11 am at Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 29 Weaver St, Little Falls, NJ 07424. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of GoFundMe to help support Alexei and Zander’s College Fund. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Vic here to continue to celebrate the incredible life he bestowed upon us.