Joseph James Mason

Joseph James Mason, passed away on February 7, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida. His was an active 101 years of life, filled with devotion to his family and a passionate love for learning until the moment he died. Born on November 1, 1918 to Anthony and Mary Massacci in Home, Pennsylvania, he served his country as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corp from 1941 to 1945. After serving in the Army, Joe studied electrical engineering at West Virginia University. In 1945, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Cueto, with whom he shared 75 years of mutual devotion. Joe spent his entire 40-year career at Consol Coal where he was responsible for designing and acquiring new equipment for the company. When tragedy struck the Consol Coal #9 Farmington mine in November 1968, Joe was a key member of the team that rescued 21 of the 99 miners who were trapped after a series of explosions. Joe was a pillar of his community in Shinnston, West Virginia. He was generous with his time and happily helped those in need. To many young men in Shinnston, Joe was a man they could count on to help them find a job. He always answered the door and never disappointed. In retirement, Joe moved to Florida where he devoted his time to his family. Joe was also a loyal WVU football and basketball fan, and an avid golfer into his nineties. Joe served as the President of the El Conquistador Condo Association for some 15 years. He delighted in traveling with his family and in particular his grandchildren. Joe was a wonderful dancer and shared his love for dancing with Mary in their courtship and throughout their later years. Joe had an infectious joy for life and an unmatched wit. To those who knew Joe, he is remembered as genuine, caring, unselfish and kind. His was a life well lived and he was deeply loved by all he knew.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Tammy Schieb (Scott) of Sarasota, FL, his grandchildren Brooke Schieb Waldrep (Kevin) of Georgetown, TX, and Michael Joseph Schieb of Austin, TX, and his great grandchildren James and Thomas Waldrep.

Joe is preceded in death and now joyfully reunited with his son James Lee Mason and granddaughter Lindsay Anne Schieb.

A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 10:00 am on February 27 at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church in Shinnston, West Virginia (https://www.stannshinnston.com).