John Winfred Mason, 77, of Newport, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 13, 2014. He was the husband of Carolyn (Merritt) Mason for over 57 years. Born in Newport, RI, on June 25, 1936, he was the son of the late Winfred C. and Grace (Lewis) Mason.
A native Newporter, Mr. Mason was a graduate of URI, becoming a loyal alumnus and URI sports fan. He became a popular math teacher at Thompson Junior High School for over 30 years, chairing the Math Department for several of them. He often tutored local students in his spare time and was an avid walker. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, John will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter Nancy Folcarelli of Newport, RI, daughter Lori Ryan and her husband Michael of Newport, RI, daughter Stacey Burkhardt and her husband Fred of Newport, RI, sister Joan Mason Burdine of Newport, RI, and nine grandchildren Mason Folcarelli of NJ, Michael Folcarelli of RI, Mirta Folcarelli of FL, Matthew Folcarelli of RI, Merritt Folcarelli of RI, Timothy Ryan of RI, Laura Ryan of RI, Katherine Ryan of RI, and Cameron Burkhardt of RI.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., in the Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Avenue, Newport, RI.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., from the Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Avenue, Newport. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Churchyard in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newport Public Education Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 1237, Newport, R.I. 02840.
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