Ernest Mason

Ernest Mason, age 87, of Dania Beach, FL, passed away August 18th 2021. Ernie was born on June 24, 1934, to Lina and George Mason. He grew up in Rockville Centre, New York. After graduating from Southside High school, Ernie proudly served his country in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged he went on to earn Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Business Administration from Hofstra University. During this time, he served the Rockville Centre community as a volunteer fireman. He went on to have a distinguished business career for many years.

Ernie’s proudest achievement was his family. Ernie married Helen Jackman of Manhasset, NY, in 1962, and they were happily devoted to one another for 51 years until her death in 2013. Together they had four children Elaine Hogg (Bob) of Hollywood, Florida; Beverly Filippidis (Paul) of Sunrise, Florida; Chris Mason (Sarah Bartlett) of Kent Island, Maryland; and Janet Riccio of Hampton, Virginia. Their family continued to grow with the addition of eight wonderful grandchildren Rob Hogg, Michael Filippidis, James Hogg, Kristen Filippidis, Timothy Riccio (Caitlin), Lauren Filippidis, Emily Riccio and Sarah Riccio. In 2020, Ernie’s first great grandchild, Asher Riccio, was born.

Ernie was an amazing story teller and often regaled his family with stories of growing up on Long Island and of his time stationed in Greenland with the Army. His stories were always funny and often had a life lesson behind them. His favorite place to be was at the beach. He loved playing with his grandchildren in the sand and taught many of them the joys of boogie boarding. Upon retirement Ernie and Helen moved to Lake Monticello, Virginia, where many happy summers were spent with all the family tubing and water skiing with Ernie proudly behind the helm. His sage advice, his belly laugh and the pure joy he bought to his family will be greatly missed. His legacy will live on for generations to come.