Harry Naill Mason

Harry was born in New York City with a double cleft lip and a cleft palate. He needed emergency surgery upon birth to breathe and eat. Over the years, having many surgeries, he became tough yet sensitive to the needs of others. Growing up in the Bronx projects with a physical deformity and a single mother, he learned to be tough, yet always sensitive to the needs of the less fortunate.

He left home at a young age, made his way first on offshore oil rigs where he quickly advanced to the top and acquired his position as a driller, and then as manager of a Texas communications tower company, Trico Tower Service. For the past 20 years, Harry put all his focus and energy into raising his one and only son, Nathan Mason, and going to work no matter how he felt. Despite serious medical conditions, he continued to work. Although he did not need to climb towers, he did so as early as a month ago.

Harry will be remembered by his loved ones as being generous, loyal, dedicated to his family and, yes, difficult and grumpy at times, but who could blame him. He left us too soon, at 59. He will be missed immensely and remembered always.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nathaniel Mason; and his mother, Mary Naill.

Survivors: His son, Nathaniel Riley Mason of Arlington; sisters, Jennifer Mason Zurowski of Hobe Sound, Fla., Dovia Jenna Mason Fehrenbach of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Linda Duswalt Ciangetti of Manahawkin, N.J.; brother, Steven Duswalt of Austin; nephews, Matt Reece, Cliff Reece and Eric Scroggins; and nieces, Alannahg Mason and Stephanie Duswalt.