Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
Stephen Master was born at Mikro Horio, Evritania, Greece, on November 26, 1930. He passed away peacefully at home at the age of 93, with his family by his side the evening of Thursday February 8, 2024. He was a devoted and loving husband to Dina (Constantina) Master for over 65 years. A proud father of Chris, Nick and Harry and proud Pappou to Steve and Chris.
Stephen was one of 7 children that grew up during the difficult periods of World War II. As a teenager he and his brothers struggled to support the family working in Athens, doing whatever they could to take care of their siblings and parents. In 1950 Stephen immigrated to New York, following in the footsteps of his father Christos Mastrogeorgopoulos, and began to work doing what he could to make a better life for himself. He returned to Mikro Horio in 1959, where he met and married Dina (Constantina) Costopoulos at Koryshades, Evritania, Greece. Stephen and Dina married in Athens, at Agios Ioannis Church, and then moved to the United States in 1960. They originally resided in Washington D.C before finally moving to San Francisco, California after the birth of their first-born son Chris in 1963. California remained home for the last 64 years in the beautiful rolling hills of Briones National Park in Martinez, a suburb of San Francisco.
His greatest joy in life was his devotion to the church, reading scripture, volunteering, and his faith to God almighty. He was a Chanter to many churches in the Bay Area over the last many years, but his longest dedication was at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church where he served as the Head Chanter for over 50 years. Stephen also built his own private chapel named Panagia Poursotisa, dedicated to the monastery he served at during his teenage years. In addition, he and his brothers lovingly maintained their fathers church of the 12 Apostles at Mikro Horio, Greece. He was well known in the church communities of the Bay Area, Athens and Mount Athos in Greece.
Besides being a philanthropist and devoted Christian, Stephen was a restauranter and a long- time member of the San Francisco Culinary Union serving all the hotels and convention centers in San Francisco. Prior to that he worked at Harris Steakhouse (formerly Grison’s) in San Francisco for many years, along with his fellow Greek co-workers. During his career he also operated and owned his own restaurants. Hard work, resilience and determination to succeed was his goal in life, which he accomplished successfully.
He loved his family dearly and always looked after everyone. He was proud to be a Pappou to Steve and Chris. He always had a smile on his face to see them.
Stephen is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leo Master, Ellis Master, Panagiotis Master, Paulos Master, Iakovos Master and his sister Catherine Spathis. His departure comes as a deep wound and is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply in the community. The family deeply appreciates your support.
Trisagion Service
St Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
1224 Alabama Street
Vallejo, CA
Tuesday, February 20 at 6pm
Viewing is 4-6pm
Funeral Service
St Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
1224 Alabama Street
Vallejo, CA
Wednesday, February 21 at 10am
Makaria Luncheon will be after the funeral at the church hall prior to the procession to the cemetery.
Committal Service to follow at 2pm at Oak View Memorial Park
2500 East 18th Street, Antioch, CA
In lieu of flowers Stephens wishes were donations to be made to :
