Richard Charles Mason

Richard C. Mason, age 44, passed away on Sunday, October 12th, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. After completing a Master in Teaching from Roger Williams University, he relocated from Rhode Island in 2004 to Parrish with his family. Richard was employed as an elementary school teacher in Manatee County for almost 10 years, including at Blackburn Elementary and Manatee Charter. When he was no longer able to work each day in the classroom due to treatments, he began working on a Master of Science in Mathematics in the hopes he could return and share his love of math with middle school students.

Richard's commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as he also sought out involvement as a regional judge for Odyssey of the Mind, participation in The Teachers of American History Cohort, as a soccer assistant for his son's team at the local "Y" and volunteering whenever possible in colleagues classrooms, even throughout his illness. Richard is survived by his wife of 15 years, Debra (Hammond) Mason, his daughter, Nicole Mason and his son, Matthew Mason. He also leaves his mother, Beatrice (Rebello) Wright of Parrish, FL; father, Richard E. Mason of Foster, RI and brother, Paul Mason of Virginia.

Arrangements under the direction of Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, Ellenton, FL.