Joseph Lee Mastran, 87, an Army Colonel whose assignments with the Quartermaster Corps in the 1950s included directing research in the irradiation of food, died of respiratory failure May 15, 2003, at Inova Alexandria Hospital. He had a heart ailment.

Colonel Mastran, who lived in Alexandria, Virginia, retired in 1970 from a program administration position having to do with the benefits of commissary and post exchange employees.

He was recalled to duty to work on policy issues for an additional three years.

He was a native of Peekskill, New York, and a 1940 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served with the First Special Service Force in Italy during World War II. He also commanded a camp for German POWs. His honors included two Bronze Stars.

He received a master's degree in business from University of Pennsylvania after the war, and he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His postings included Alaska and Hawaii.

Colonel Mastran, who conducted the West Point Symphony while a cadet, played the violin, organ, cornet and harmonica. His interests also included golf.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mary Pauline Mastran of Alexandria; three children, Dr. David V. Mastran of Washington, Joseph L. Mastran Jr. of Reston and Christie Marlowe of Alexandria; a brother; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

 On Thursday, May 15, 2003. Loving husband of Mary Pauline Mastran; loving father of David and Joseph Mastran and Christine Marlowe; grandfather of David, Susanna, Jeremy and Amy; great-grandfather of Andrew, Gabriel, Joseph, Timothy and Mandy. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, July 7, at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 3901 Cathedral Ln., Arlington, VA. Graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors will follow at 1 p.m.