Ernest J. Mason

Ernest (Ernie) was born on January 6, 1942 to Lelia W. Mason and Andrew J. Mason. He attended Hampton High School and then at the age of 17 set off for boot camp to become a member of the Virginia Army National Guard. He worked at the Nike Site in Hampton until his honorable discharge in 1967. During those years he met & married Dianne G. Lassiter.

In 1967, after his time with the National Guard, he began working for Mendel Coffey, owner of Coffey’s Lock Shop. While working there he became a member of ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America), PLA (Peninsula Locksmith Association), and was DCJS certified (Department of Criminal Justice Services)

In 1985, upon Mendel Coffey’s retirement, Ernie and Dianne purchased Coffey’s Lock Shop. Dianne was the bookkeeper for the business. They owned the Shop for 11 years. Dianne passed away in 1996 and it became difficult to run the business. In 1998, the Goodman family purchased the Shop and promised that Ernie would always have a job there.

Ernie was an avid deer hunter and lover of nature. He was a member of Bent Barrel Hunt Club. He enjoyed hunting trips and week-long mountain trips with his brothers and nephews. He also loved his Shop family and saw them weekly after his retirement.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his siblings, Leon Mason, Allen Mason, Pauline Massie, Earl Mason, and a special nephew, Edward Mason.

He is survived by his daughter, Sydney M. DeProfio (Brian), grandchildren, Benjamin and Madison, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Teresa Adams, and Riverside Palliative Care & Riverside Hospice for their care for Ernie and the entire family. Teresa and our nurses, Leana Thorpe, Melanie Barone, and Jennifer Harvey hold a special place in our hearts.