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Gerald E. Mason, "Jerry" or "Buddy" as his grandchildren affectionately called him passed away August 23, 2021 at age 91.
The son of Nuell and Lillian Adeline Mason (Shanks), he was born on January 28, 1930, in Smiths Ferry, Pennsylvania. Jerry attended public schools in Wellsville, Ohio and after graduating from Wellsville High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in Engineering from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. During his years in the R.O.T.C., he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in 1952.
While in the Navy he made numerous trips across the Pacific entering ports in Japan and Korea serving as cargo officer aboard the USS General Mann during the Korean War. While in the Navy he was awarded the China Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Service Medal and The United Nations Korean Service Medal.
Immediately following his years on active duty, he taught mathematics at Wellsville High School inspiring his love of teaching which encouraged him to continue his education. He returned to school at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida earning a Master's Degree in Education and began teaching mathematics at public middle schools and high schools in Miami, Florida. He continued his Navy career serving in the Naval Reserves.
Gerald joined the faculty at Miami Dade College as a mathematics professor in 1963 and continued teaching there until 1996. During that time, he earned his Doctorate in Education from The University of Miami and became a full professor. He ended his career as a Professor Emeritus in recognition of his years of contributions to the college.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol Hall Mason; children, Bradley Nuell (Jennifer), Anne Blount (Michael) and Ellen Tolson (Keith); grandchildren, Mitchell, Addie, Hallie, Lauren, Carolyn, Sunny, Paul, Christopher and Anne Marie; great grandchildren, Claire and Fitz; his sister Margaret "Peggy" Lloyd and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Gregg.
From his formative years of growing up along the Ohio River, Jerry continued to have a love of water sports throughout his life. He was passionate about swimming, fishing, and boating and was able to share this passion with his family when they lived in Miami, Bradenton and more recently Jacksonville, FL. He considered his greatest vacations were returning to Wellsville to meet with many friends and relatives, and visit his old "stomping grounds."
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held in the future.
9/9/21