Theodore Mason

Theodore R. “T.R.” Mason age 72, of Millcreek, passed away on Thursday May 21, 2015 at UPMC Hamot.

He was born in Erie on February 7, 1943, a son of the late Rodney and Katherine Mikolajczak Mason.

He attended Tech Memorial High School and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam from 1964-1965.

Ted was a heavy equipment operator and retired from PennDOT after 35 years.

He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, American Legion Post #773 in Millcreek, VFW Post 470, the AFSCME Retirees Association and the Marine Corps League. He was also a charter member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 435 and served many years as a member of the color guard.

Ted loved being outdoors, gardening, was an avid hunter and enjoyed fixing things. He was a proud Marine and was looking forward to celebrating his 50th year reunion of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy Keyser Mason; two daughters, Kimberly (Richard) Parry of Jefferson, MD and Melanie (Bryan) Rote of Gibsonia, PA; Lori Hansen who he loved like a daughter; four grandchildren, Katelyn and Abigail Parry, Harper and Mason Rote; a sister, Audrey Schaeffer of NY and a brother Christian Mason of Edinboro. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church 1626 W 26th Street, Erie, PA 16508. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr, Triangle, VA 22172.