Mason Louis Perler

May 5, 1992 – November 30, 2024

With profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Mason Louis Perler on November 30, 2024, at the age of 32. A man of quiet brilliance and deep compassion, Mason touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His unexpected passing has brought his family together in reflection, love, and immense gratitude for the time they shared with him.

Born on May 5, 1992, Mason grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from the Gilman School in 2010. He went on to study computer science at the University of Virginia, earning his degree in 2014. Mason often reflected fondly on his time at Gilman and UVA, cherishing the friendships and memories he built along the way. Some of his favorite memories included concerts (Girl Talk, LCD Soundsystem, Matt & Kim), movie nights at friends’ houses, late-night drives set to Radiohead, and summer trips to Rehoboth and Bethany Beach. Mason also spent his free time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for those in need, and competing in marathon video game sessions.

After college, Mason pursued a career in software engineering, working first in Boston, Massachusetts, and later in San Diego, California. Once, his sister Rachel visited him in Boston during her college break and beat Mason and all of his friends at Nintendo’s Super Smash Brothers. Laughing, Mason recently recalled that that was one of his proudest memories and concluded, “I taught you well.” And he did. Rachel spent hours upon hours playing– and losing– that game against Mason, and now she cherishes every moment.

In recent months, Mason began envisioning a new path inspired by his parents’ work in healthcare, particularly his mother’s work as a nurse. He shared dreams of earning a nursing degree and dedicating himself to providing direct care to those in need. Just as he had with Habitat for Humanity, Mason found purpose in helping others and hoped to make a difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

From a young age, Mason’s preternatural gift for technology amazed his family. Whether repairing machinery, building ingenious contraptions, or designing the computer of his dreams, Mason’s curiosity and talent knew no bounds. In college, he earned recognition in competitive video game design tournaments for his creativity and skill. Yet his love for technology extended beyond personal achievements. Mason found immense joy in using his abilities to create thoughtful, lasting gifts for loved ones. One of his most cherished projects was digitizing videos of his grandmother, Corrine Bindon, preserving her voice and stories for future generations.

Mason carried a quiet humility, often saying he never wanted to be the smartest person in the room—because that would mean he wasn’t learning. He was deeply introspective, skeptical of how technology could infringe on individual freedoms, and driven to use his intellect for good. Literature, music, and media became his tools for understanding the world. Mason found profound meaning in Dante’s Inferno and in Radiohead’s Pyramid Song, both of which explore themes of suffering, redemption, and the enduring power of love. A reflection of Mason’s heart can be found in a simple reminder he wrote to himself upon graduating high school: “Do not forget to love.”

Mason’s life embodied love in its purest forms. He was a devoted son to his parents, Bruce and Patricia Perler, a beloved brother to Rachel Perler and her partner, Sofia, and a loyal friend to many. Whether online or in person, Mason’s kindness, humor, and unwavering support left an indelible mark on everyone he knew.

Mason will be cremated, and a private memorial service will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, in the new year (details to follow). In honor of Mason’s memory and his commitment to digital transparency and open access, donations may be made to the Internet Archive, an organization dedicated to ensuring equitable access to information and preserving digital history.

Mason, you are forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered. May you rest in peace.

The family deeply appreciates how much Mason meant to so many people and warmly invites friends and loved ones to share their memories on this page or privately with family.