Raymond A. "Papa Ray" Mason

Raymond A. “Papa Ray” Mason, 79, of Dover, passed away peacefully while in the arms of his wife, on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Community Hospice – Truman House at New Philadelphia, following a hard fought and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born in Dover, Ray was the son of the late Bernard G. and Thelma M. (Stringer) Mason and a 1963 graduate of Dover High School. At the age of 17, Ray started working for the City of Dover and eventually retired in 1995 after working for over 35 years as a mechanic. Ray, along with his wife, attended St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover and he could often be found attending car shows and displaying his prized 1971 Chevy Nova. Often winning trophies from the various shows. Another joy in his life was attending his grandchildren’s various sporting or school events.

On April 16, 1966, Ray married the former Faith Ann Franz, and together they shared over 58 years of marriage before his passing. Also surviving are his son, Edward R. Mason of Dover; his daughter and son-in-law, Rae Ann and Roy Montan of Dover; his four grandchildren, Joseph Demattio, Maxwell Demattio, Samantha Demattio and Charles Montan; his brother David (Alma) Mason of New Philadelphia; his sister, Jade Ann (Ray) Ulrich of Dover; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Francoise Schrock; five nieces, a nephew and a special cousin (Julie (Stace) Maust.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 12 to 2 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where a service conducted by his brother-in-law, Ray A. Ulrich will begin at 2 PM. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Elden Fondriest Scholarship Fund c/o St. Joseph Church, 613 North Tuscarawas Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622.