Richard Lee Mason

Our beloved brother Richard Lee Mason, (Richie), was born on December 8, 1943. He was preceded in death by his father, Rufus Mason, mother, Annie Blanche (Bundick) Tracy, stepfather, Carl Vincent Tracy, four siblings, Veronica Mason, Janette Mason, Rufus Mason, and Victor Tracy.

Richie grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York. As the family grew, Richie moved to Queens Village in (Queens), New York. Richie earned an M.Ed. degree through City University/CUNY and Pace University in New York. Richie always had the desire to explore new adventures. Independently and courageously, he walked through those doors that God unlocked for him.

In the early seventies, Richie bravely left New York behind and settled in San Francisco, California. The next door of opportunity that opened for Richie was through the food and restaurant industry in 1979.

This was the perfect industry for Richie because his character reflected his intellect, kindness, courage, compassion for people at all levels, the ability to keenly listen and to give his very best in everything he did. Richie trained, supervised and counseled many including becoming a shop steward for the very expansive banquet department at the Westin Hotel – St. Francis, San Francisco, as well as accepting many promotions during his career.

He was blessed with such long-term employment that spanned forty-two years. So well respected and loved, he worked in dedicated service there until his official retirement in 2021.

Richie loved to travel and he explored many distant lands including, Mexico, Greece, Egypt, China even stopping for a homemade dinner with a host family in Cape Town, South Africa. He believed traveling kept him humble and furthered his compassion for people of all walks of life. Brother Richie loved life, his family and his friends. He lived life with great enthusiasm and unwavering passion.

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Brother Richie departed from this life after an illness that had him hospitalized for a brief period. Richie leaves to mourn many in San Francisco, including friends, Fran (Tim), Samantha and Cameron Roberts, Grandford Andrews, Paulette Andrews, Annette Perry, The Ballesteros family, Bruce (Claire) Lescher, three sisters, Rev. Dr. Annmarie Mason-Moore (Bobby) of Dover, Delaware, Angelle (Robert) Titus of Plainfield, New Jersey and Michelle Tracy of Dover Delaware, a host of great nieces, nieces, great nephews, nephews and cousins.

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With Heartfelt Remembrance

Lovingly Submitted

The Family