Francis J. Mason

Francis James Mason, 93, of Summerfield, Florida, (formerly of Waldorf and Easton, Maryland) passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at The Villages Hospital, The Villages, Florida. He was born on April 15, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Mary (Bouland) and Francis J. Mason, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Burgess and Dorothy Howarth, brother, Theodore Mason, and sons-in-law, Mark Garner and Alan Benzer.

Frank was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and former President of the Board of Elections in Charles County, Maryland. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans Club of Spruce Creek, Metropolitan Police Retirement Association, International Police Association and St. Theresa Catholic Church.

He went to Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, joined the Army in 1946 and upon his honorable discharge in 1949 moved to Washington, DC, to join the Metropolitan Police Department. He worked in several precincts until he joined the K-9 Unit. With his K-9 Rajah by his side he retired on disability in 1967. He then went to work for Prince George’s County, Maryland, as a Building Inspector until his retirement in 1990.

Upon his retirement he enjoyed crabbing, gardening, travelling, watching his grandchildren in their sports activities and playing cards. He was a devoted husband for 71 years and cherished his family. Family gatherings were very important to him.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Elaine (Smith), who was the love of his life. They had five children: Joseph (Nanette) of Summerfield, Florida; Carol Hamilton (Bill) of Delmar, Delaware; Dolores Garner, of Walhalla, South Carolina; Linda Benzer of Prince Frederick, Maryland; and Mary Pontorno (Jimmy) of Hollywood, Maryland. He had 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida, on Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 11528 US-301, Belleview, Florida 34420 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513 at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Marion County, 3231 SW 34th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34474.