I was deeply saddened to hear of James passing. Although I only knew him from a distance, his kindness and the love he had for his family were truly evident.

I am so terribly sorry to hear this sad news. Stags and I lived in the same dorm entry freshman year. He was one of the nicest guys in our class, no question. I can only remember him with a huge smile on his face. May his memory be a blessing.

DearPete and family- Matt just found out about James’ passing yesterday. I am so terribly sorry for the loss of James. Although I lost track of him as an adult I remember him fondly when he and Matt played soccer together. May he rest easy and surly the love you hold in your hearts for him will keep him with you always. Jesus what a jolt.

Bridgette, So sorry for your loss. I'll always remember James as kind and welcoming.

I was the basketball coach at the New York Athletic Club and Stags was one of our first big recruits. He was a cornerstone of the buildout of the NYAC program that went on to dominate tournaments and leagues across the country. He played with us for over 10 years, including 5 straight NACAD national club championships, and 7 in 9 years. I learned so much from Stags. He had a great basketball mind, but it was more about the way he communicated with his teammates. He had a way about himself on the court, that he could get in your face if you weren't playing hard enough, but you were never offended b/c you knew it was about bringing out your best for the team to win. And you always knew Stags was giving his best and had your best intention at heart. What a teammate!

If you ask anyone what he was like to play with or hang with, I think they'd say, "Stags was the best..." Nothing ever bothered the dude - on the court or off. He was the original 3+D guy, his long arms and legs locking up the best scorers. And on offense he was either banging 3pt'ers or backdooring you to death. He cut so hard - I never had another player like him. And after the game, he was always up for a few beers and a few laughs. Always.

We had so many great NYAC trips together... China. SF. Chicago. St Louis. Portland. LA... And we got in the habit of tacking on a golf day prior to the tournament. The highlight of those years together was the 10 day barnstorming trip to China in 2005. We had 6 Princeton players on that team including Stags (Jesse Rosenfeld, Jason Osier, Brian Earl, Nate Walton and Chris Doyal). We played the Shanghai Sharks and Beijing Ducks in 3 exhibition games in 3 different cities. In between we got to experience excursions to the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and local night life. It was an incredible experience with too many laughs.

It was a gift to have travelled to all those places with him and I'm forever grateful for letting me coach him.

Milton

I did not know James well. I’m the class of ‘74 and went to many of the PU games. When James was a senior I remember thinking that this team might be Princeton’s best ever. As the years passed I would see James at games always accompanied by his father. Their relationship was heartwarming. Both were welcoming and so much fun to talk to. This is so sad and my heart goes out to his loved ones. But what a fabulous life he lived!

Stags came in as part of a large and very talented freshman class when I was a senior. He was a great player, even as a freshman, and could run like a deer. But what I remember most about Stags was his dry sense of humor and the constant smile on his face. My roommate from college moved back to Garden City after graduation, so on visits to see him I used to bump into Stags, often at Cherry Valley. Not surprisingly, he turned his athleticism into being a scratch golfer. His hair had gone gray and his waist had expanded a bit (as had mine) but he still had that same smile. What a great guy. My condolences to his family and loved ones he leaves behind. He will be missed.

We are so sorry to hear of this sad news! James was a great father and a wonderful member of our community. We have some wonderful memories of James and friends and our trips with the Garden City Yacht Club. Sending all our love and condolences.

I met Pete before I met James at Cherry Valley. Both became good buddies. What a great son to a great father.

My sorrow runs deep.

I will always remember James being one of the nicest guys I went to high school with. I was heartbroken to hear the news of his passing. He will never be forgotten. and I will always cherish the memories we had together. My heart goes out to his family, and to everyone who’s life he touched. 🙏😇❤️

Stags was an amazing person, basketball player , golfer, teammate and friend. I had the privilege to overlap one year and play with him on the Princeton basketball team when he was a freshman and I was a senior. My deepest condolences to his entire family in this difficult time.

I’ll never forget one of the first times I teed it up with Stags. I had set up a 4-ball at Yale (replete with a dozen square Orangeside's) and a CVC friend brought Stags and another member. Not much of a bettor as a happy-go-lucky hacker, I let the guys convince me to play for lunch/dinner, winner picks. Stags and I were paired up against the other two CVC members. Not surprisingly, Stags, fueled by at least 2000 pure sugar calories, carried me along for the front nine and despite/because of? his anchor, we were locked in a tight match when we got to the dog-leg 14th. I striped it down the middle, “all” 200-yds., so Stags went for it and ended up in the woods. After a futile search, we played out and won the hole, at which point I cheekily said to him "I'll carry us the rest of the way if you carry us at dinner." With his characteristic mischievous grin, he fist-bumped me and said, "you're on." We closed out the match on 17 and true to form, Stags and I made sure Gary paid up at Pepe's: two large pies, a small pie, and at least two pitchers for Stags and me - and Stags kept his promise and "carried me" on the pitchers!

But that would be too simple of a story. As we're wrapping up to drive back, Gary goes "Young's head is getting even larger now", at which point Stags piped up: "I wonder whose is larger, Dad's or his??" Not to leave an important question like that unanswered, he called Peter right then and there in Pepe's and we exchanged hat sizes. Unfortunately, Gary was right, albeit unverified... Much time passes and while on another visit, an unsuspecting Peter walks in the CVC entrance and Stags and Gary immediately ambush him and I to confirm by exchanging hats, right in front of everyone, including Ed, coming and going on a busy Saturday!

This was the beginning of many memorable exchanges over the past decade whenever I visited CVC. Stags was a unique, wonderful person and friend - my deepest condolences to Peter, Bridgette, Olivia, Kellan and all of his extended family and friends. The fairways of heaven are shining a little brighter and its 19th hole is laughing a little louder.

Stags was a great guy! I new him from playing basketball on Long Island he was a fierce competitor and he let you know it especially if he was beating you! More importantly he was a great all around guy always willing to talk to you and give you advice if needed. My deepest condolences go out to His Entire Family.

My sincerest condolences to Bridgette and Mastaglio Family. I am wishing you peace, courage, comfort and hugs at this time of sorrow.

Bridgette, I'm so sorry for your loss; I didn't know your husband but from reading his Celebration of Life, he was quite a guy and you are very blessed; he will remain with you always. I know where you are, I'm still grieving myself. If you ever just want to talk, please give me a call. We can help each other through this.

I didn't know your husband, but what a beautiful tribute to him. You and your family are in my prayers. My deepest condolences.

Bridgette, I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to the entire family.

My sincerest condolences to the entire family. So sorry for your loss Bridgette.

Stags was special. I didn't know him that well at Princeton, but I was good friends with some of the other basketball guys, so we ran in the same circles. He was easy to be around. Quick with a smile and a hug. Always interested in what I was up to. Always present and self assured in way that put others at ease. I wished I knew him better. Sending lots of love from my family to yours. He will be missed.

I met stags playing against him at a NYC tournament in my early 20’s … every time we played his team (NYAC) I knew we were in for a battle. The team took on his identity; toughness, togetherness and playing the right way. I later would get invited to play at the famous NYAC runs that fall. From there I got to know stags on a more personal level through the sport. As a young guy he gave me life lessons that are instilled in me to this day ! Anytime I lost a game and had to sit I’d seek him just to pick his brain and hear him talk. I can go on for hours about stags … my friend thank you and I will miss you !

I am still in shock. James was a great guy - one of the very green chairmans I ever worked with. He surely did love golf course architecture. And he was the person who spearhead all the great recent renovations we did at Cherry Valley. He did say to me he would love be a golf course designer and we actually talked that maybe we should find some land or a golf course to buy and totally redo it. It would have been fun.
James - 'we will do it in Heaven'.

My wife and I knew James and Bridgette when we became friendly as neighbors in Manhattan. As I got to know James better on a casual level, I would run into him and think "Oh, here's James...Cool! What's he going to say now to make me laugh?" And he of course would. I admired how humble he was, how he and Bridgette always made us feel welcome the times they had gatherings, how they complimented each other so well and the love they shared with each other. I remember we visited James and Bridgette when Olivia was about maybe around 2 years old or so. While we were visiting, Olivia had done something that made James so proud; a quick, small achievement another dad might not have even noticed nor celebrated -- but not James. He swooped Olivia from the floor and lifted her high up in the air and laughed that "that's my girl!!" laugh (maybe he even said it), while hugging her closely. I remember Olivia's face just beaming in her father's arms and remember Bridgette lovingly looking at them both. As I watched I could not help but think "Now, THAT is a DAD!"

To Bridgette, Olivia and Kellan, and to the rest of James' family: I don't think we can express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.

I have very fond memories of James and his high school friends as a coach and PE teacher at GC High. And, of course, I really enjoyed watching him and his teammates play basketball at the HS. Naturally, it was great to see him move on to Princeton and do so well. I also had a great opportunity to get to know James' dad, Pete. We use to play pick-up B-ball for the GC Rec league in town. It was great having Pete on my team...I wasn't that good in basketball - just a D-III football player!!! Don't let me hold the ball for too long! The Mastaglio family are wonderful people. We will miss James greatly. If there is anything I can do to honor James, please do not hesitate to ask.
God Bless!
Bob Defliese

James and his dad were the first people I have memories of meeting when I moved into our dorm room in Holder Hall freshman year of college. One giant man and one giant young man both with so much care for my mom and me as we moved in. Stags' love for life and people was always evident throughout college and when I was able to see him again at Cherry Valley after all those years, it was clear he still had the pure joy in his heart that he always had. He will be so missed by everyone who has had the honor of knowing him and those who just know of him. Mr. Mastaglio, Bridgette and children, please accept my and my wife's condolences during this difficult time. James will always be there looking down on you. Love, Jason Baynes

My sincerest condolences to the entire Mastaglio family. While I did not know Stags well, he was a legend at Princeton. The success of the ‘98 team inspired me to attend Princeton, which has led to a lifetime of friendship in a special basketball community. I am grateful for Stags and all his teammates for impacting my life in such a positive way. My deepest sympathies to Bridgette, Olivia and Kellan.

Sending all of our love and deepest condolences.

My deepest condolences for you. Mr. Mastaglio had made an impact on my sister that i don’t think anyone else would ever do. May god forever bless you, Coach Staggs.

James was a student in one of my first classes at Garden City High School. I can remember watching him as a basketball player and knew he was a special athlete. I followed his career at Princeton. After college, I lost touch with his life. The article written made me aware of all the good that he did. He is someone we all will miss. I only wish I had gotten to know him those many years ago. My condolences to his family.

Bridgette, words cannot express how profoundly sad I am for you. Having lost touch years ago, I followed you on Facebook and found joy in seeing your happiness in your posts. Cancer sucks, plain and simple. I am sorry for your loss, and appreciate you sharing this wonderful obituary. Peace, love and good memories.

My heart is breaking, I will see you Wednesday, love your Mother

Deepest condolences to the entire family. I had wonderful memories growing up with Jamie and Beth. Spending summers at the garden city pool and then at our house. As well as spending Christmas day evening with the entire family in Garden City. Dee and Peter are my Godparents. Never having actual cousins I have always considered Jamie and Beth my cousins. Although time has past since we have seen each other his passing still is so painful and shocking to our family. No words can express the sadness we all feel. No words can comfort his family except that many people are grieving him and praying for his family.

Such a kind caring man.
Love you Stags

Profound condolenses to your family in this rough time. I know he's in a better place no more suffering. "Stags" I miss you

Heartbreaking loss. We knew them both for a brief period when we were all on the Upper East Side. Both were consistently bubbly but always seemed especially happy when together. Wonderful tribute here and our deepest sympathy goes out to Bridgette, their children, family and friends.

My heart hurts for you. Sending you love and light. Such great memories of Christmas time at the warm Mastaglio home.

Sending our deepest condolences and support.

My condolences for your loss. Stags was a great guy, was full of joy and he will be dearly missed. Prayers for his family.

We're so sorry for your loss. We as a community are here to support you!

Sorry for your family's loss.

A lifetime of memories, as we mourn.
Love and prayers,
Rosemary and Charles Bruno

Dear James,

You are the blue-eyed-angelic-looking young man I’ve always known as my brother’s best friend and a third son to my own father. Your passing has affected my family so very much that I cannot imagine the impact on you and yours. May God bless all.

I know that I will never forget you and will definitely see you in Heaven. Please know that your life and legacy has already had an everlasting impact on each individual of my family and others. Thank you… profoundly.

I pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you and your family and those that mourn for you. We all will see you again.

I know your mom is with you right now and that you both know of the Glory that awaits your family and loved ones.

James…, you are more than just a “great man. One of the good ones” you are an example for all of us to live an elevated life.

Bless you, James… you are a true king among us all. I thank you in Jesus’ name.

Love,

Matt’s Older Sister, Amy.

So very sorry for your loss especially after such a short t after Dee. Our hearts go out to you and your family. With Greg sympathy Sue and Bruce Schoelle.