Edward Mason, Sr.

Edward "Bud" Mason, Sr., 86, of Route 26, Georgetown, NY, passed away Friday, June 4, 2010 at home with his family at his side after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was a devoted caregiver to his wife for many years. He was born January 3, 1924 in Salem, MA, son of Vincent and Rose Duffy Mason. He grew up near Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, NY and was a graduate of Ausable Forks High School. He joined the U.S. Naval Air Corps at age 17 and was a veteran of WW II. A radioman 2nd class in the Patrol Bomber Squadron VPB 131, he was particularly proud of his squadron's logo which was designed by Disney with the help of "Walt" himself. He was a member of Local Union 1249 of the IBEW as a journeyman lineman and general foreman from 1946 until his retirement in 1987. He served on the Executive Board of LU 1249 for 23 years. On March 17, 1946, Bud married Elizabeth Winn in Potsdam, NY.

Bud was a member of the F&AM’s Lodge #758 of Georgetown; LU 1249 Retirees Club; the Ohio Brass Bare Hand Club (barehanding 345,000 volts of electricity); and an honorary inactive member of the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department.

Growing up surrounded by the breathtaking natural wonder of the Adirondack Mountains gave Bud a lifetime love and respect for that part of the state—a love he shared generously with his family. For many years Bud enjoyed summers on Silver Lake, NY, and he introduced a neverending parade of kids, grandkids and other visitors to the majesty and beauty of the North Country.

He loved his winter home in Marathon, Florida, enjoying the "Keys" way of life and his many friends there. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, at home on the ocean in his boat or fishing a small pond. Bud had a special love and respect for FDR and spoke about him often with his children. He was a wonderful father and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He was strong, warm, generous, wise and patient.

Bud is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his children, Mary and David Wentworth of South Otselic, Nancy Dennis of Fabius, Frank Mason of Georgetown, Edward, Jr. "Pete" and Diana Mason of South Otselic, and Lyle Mason of Georgetown. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Richard and Frank Mason, Robert "Bob" Bowen and Francis Betters, and a son-in-law, Charles Dennis.

A memorial services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 31 Cedar St., Morrisville, NY, followed by a gathering of family and friends at his home in Georgetown. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 6-9 pm. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Dept or Hospice of Onondaga County.