With profound love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Robert Brian Masi, my beloved husband, partner, and best friend, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was 61 years old.

Robert lived a life defined by kindness, integrity, and quiet strength. Born in Fort Lee, VA on April 20, 1964, he grew up with a boundless curiosity and a heart open to everyone he met. He dedicated his life to the automobile industry for over 45 years, with a passion for American muscle cars. Robert was the founder of and owner of Masi’s Musclecar Garage and Masi’s Speed and Custom in Richmond, VA for the past 20 years as a skilled automotive mechanic and designer. He also dedicated 20 years of service as an automotive technician with Chesterfield Dodge. He built his first car when he was just 15 years old and from that point on, never stopped. The last car Robert built was his wife’s 1990 Firebird tube chasis drag car, which he saw go down the race track this past summer. Whether working on classic, antique or drag racing cars, Robert had a vision and a talent that set him apart and made his business extraordinary. His customers meant everything to him – they arrived as customers and left as friends, forming lasting relationships built on trust and respect. Rob lived by three core values; his family, his “framily” and his customers. Drag racing even brought Robert and his wife, Sheryl, together- fittingly, they were married at zMax Dragway on the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2014. A loving and extremely devoted father, Robert proudly wore every role his children need him to be, from girl dad, Allstar cheerleading dad, and cookie taste tester dad. He also shared a special bond with his son Cody. Robert was an active member of ACCTS (Accepting Christ’s Call to Serve) Men’s Group, where he found brotherhood and grew his faith. It is through this group that Robert had the honor of attending Cursillo, a Catholic movement for spiritual renewal, which held deep meaning to him. He also cherished his “Bro’s Nights” enjoying time, laugher, and meals with his closest friends. Robert’s kind and giving heart was often went unknown to strangers for a reason…he was just doing God’s work! Nevertheless, Robert’s ability to pull off unthinkable surprises for others has touched many of us over the years. His zest for making life interesting was always done on his own terms and believed that life’s greatest treasures were found in simple acts of love.

Robert leaves behind his loving wife, Sheryl L. Masi; children, Cody, Bria, Savannaha and Tana Masi; parents, Martin and Janet Masi; brothers, Joseph Masi (Judith) and Mark Masi; sister-in-law, Tracy Masi (Roger); nieces and nephews, Allen Masi (Genesis), Allison Masi, Ryan Masi, Ashlynn Maynard, Jarret Maynard (Lena), Kyle Maynard (Emma), Elanor Hicks, and Oakley Hicks; great-niece, Alana Masi; mother and father-in-law, James and Judith Hicks; and a circle of family and friends who will forever cherish his memory. Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we shared and the love that will never fade.

"You were my once-in-a-lifetime, and I will carry you with me always."

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 9300 Community Lane, S Prince George, VA 23805. Entombment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park’s Mausoleum, S Prince George, VA. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Crater Road Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3935 S Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805. To honor his deep love of automobiles, the family invites those who own a hot rod or vintage car to join the procession to the cemetery as a final tribute. Guests are also encouraged to wear automobile- or hot rod–themed attire in his honor.