John Neil Mason

John Neil Mason passed peacefully at his home on November 4th, 2024. 

He was born on March 4th, 1936, the oldest child of Bates and Rena Staley Mason. He lived in Cape Vincent his whole life and graduated from Cape Vincent Central School in 1955.

A marriage to Charlotte Murphy ended in divorce.

Neil had various types of employment throughout his career including but not limited to farming, owning his own construction company ( J. Neil Mason Inc.), captain for the Seaway Pilots Association and Highway Superintendent from 1989 to 2001. He often had two jobs at a time.

Neil was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Rosiere Church, and a Charter Member for the Cape Vincent Lions Club. He also served as a Director on the Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent Board, Cape Vincent Correctional Facility Advisory Board, Cape Vincent Housing Board, Jefferson County Highway Association. He was a Committeeman for the Jefferson County Republican Party and served on the Cape Vincent Town Board prior to being elected Highway Superintendent.

Neil enjoyed dirt track races, he raced stock cars at many local tracks and continued going to the races weekly. He enjoyed fishing aboard his boat the roadrunner, and also with Saiff Charters, and especially his trips to casinos, bus trips to Atlantic City, and visiting with family and friends.

Neil is survived by his children, daughter Jeri (Doug Putnam) Mason, sons Marty (Annette) Mason, John (Tamara) Mason, and Bruce (Niki) Mason, all of Cape Vincent. Two sisters, Carol Henchy of Cape Vincent and Joy (Joe) Fitzgerald of Liverpool, as well as 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Pamela Massia and her family.

Neil is predeceased by his parents, brothers Ennis, Gary, and Lynn Mason, brother-in-law Harold Henchy and two grandchildren, Tyler and Logan Mason.

Per his wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A burial will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery in Rosiere. A celebration of life will be held on December 7th, 2024 from 12 Noon to 4 PM at the Crescent Restaurant in Chaumont, NY.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, the Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad, or the Cape Vincent Fire Department.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc., Cape Vincent. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

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