Tom Masterson was the youngest of nine children, was a native
of Carrigallen, County Leitrim, and was held in high esteem by all who had
the privilege of knowing him. Meeting Tom for the first time you came away
with the feeling that you had known him all your life. A man of devotion and
dedication, he was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was especially proud
of the music of his native land which he played on the flute with grace and
style.
He arrived in New York in 1948, moved on to California for a while
and settled in Chicago where he met his wife Bridie. Tom was married to Bridget Hughes
from Kilkerran, County Galway, and was father of six children and grandfather of thirteen.
Delighted with the music scene in Chicago he enjoyed meeting and playing with all the
musicians and helping the young players as they developed. Great friendships came about
and lasted for the rest of his life.
Tom was a founding member and past President of the Irish Musicians
Associations of Chicago. His love of music had him playing either his flute or tin whistle
throughout the Chicagoland area and the Midwest. He often played for step dancers at
shows and feisenna. His love of Irish music will stay in our heats forever.
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