Pen Velo mourns the passing of our friend and teammate, Frank Masterson on August 20, 2020.
In 2010 Frank and his wife, Janette, began cycling competitively. Frank joined Pen Velo, who became a new part of his family. In 10 years of competitive cycling, Frank made 10 appearances at the Huntsman Senior Games and five at the National Senior Games. He also competed in several NCNCA races, including the Masters District Road Race, the San Bruno Mountain Hillclimb and the Wente Vineyards Road Race. He won 77 medals in Senior Games cycling events, including a gold medal in the 2019 40km road race, which was his proudest cycling achievement.
Frank was forced to retire from competition in 2019, when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. A few days after his passing, test results came back confirming his treatment had worked and he was cancer-free.
During COVID-19 quarantine, Frank went cycling 6-7 days a week. His rides included Kings Mountain Road in Woodside 3-4 times a week, part of a 40+ mile trip that began at his home in Millbrae. On Saturday, August 15, 2020, Frank was in the middle of this ride, travelling downhill on Kings Mountain Road, when he was struck by a vehicle coming uphill. The vehicle was on Frank’s side of the road because it had just passed a cyclist on its side of the road while maneuvering a blind turn. Simple safety measures on the road and attentive, careful driving would have avoided this terrible tragedy.
Frank is survived by his strong, beautiful wife, Janette; his son, PJ, daughter-in-law, Michelle Sangiacomo, and friend, Goose; his sisters, Josephine Gilmartin and Teresa Ellis (and brother-in-law, Caillian); his brothers, Sean and Oliver (and sister-in-law, Anne); and many wonderful nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved sister, Mary, and his son, John Francis.
A memorial ride is being planned for a time when it is safe to ride together. Please wait for details to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
