Frank Charles Mason's Obituary
Mr. Frank Charles Mason, 84, of Cornelius, N.C. joined his beloved wife Leslie in Heaven on June 17, 2017. Frank was born on April 12, 1933 in Queens, N.Y.
He attended St. John’s Prep and St. John’s University, Queens, and was a lifelong fan of the Red Storm. He graduated with a degree in English Literature, then served for two years in the United States Coast Guard, once diving into the winter sea off Montauk to save an overboard fisherman.
Frank met the love of his life, Leslie, and they married in 1962. They moved to Boston and had two children. Three years later they moved back to Northern N.J., where they raised their family. Frank was the best father to his son and daughter. They treasure the memories of his Dr. Suess renditions and playing silly games he invented, in parks, in the water and the snow, and the many hours spent shooting baskets and playing catch with him.
Frank spent his career as an underwriter of hull and cargo marine insurance, working at Frank B. Hall (now Aon), Royal Insurance, and the Home Insurance Company. A 1986 relocation to Charlotte from NYC with Royal brought Frank and Leslie south. Frank greatly enjoyed Charlotte, hiking in the N.C. mountains and exploring the coast, although he remained a die-hard N.Y. Giants and Rangers fan to the very end.
Throughout his life, Frank was known for his dry wit, encyclopedic knowledge of sports, history, and politics, and his humble service to others. Frank was very involved in the St. Gabriel men’s club, and volunteered for many years at St. Gabriel school, serving ice cream to the students. He also volunteered at Matthews Presbyterian and as an ESL instructor.
Frank was an avid runner and won a large number of trophies and medals over 30 years. His perfect day started with a 5 or 10K with his running buddies and ended with a gin and tonic and music on the porch with Leslie. He enjoyed all sports, and loved to cheer on his grandchildren. His huge smile, big hugs and hilarious comments will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Julia Frances Burke Mason, and his wife, Leslie Tichenor Mason.
He is survived by his children, April Buttner (Mike) of Cornelius, N.C., and Richard Mason (Sydney) of Langhorne Township, P.A.; grandchildren Caitlin, Michael and Amanda Buttner; and Alexander and Campbell Mason; his sister, Sister Frances (Kathleen) Mason; brother, James Mason; and many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 at James Funeral Home, Huntersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 26th at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association and St. Gabriel Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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