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Vito Mason Obituary
SILVER SPRING, MD - Vito E. Mason, 80, of 306 Colesville Manor Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on November 25, 2008 of natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rosina Mason; three daughters and their husbands, Rosina and Daniel Whitfield of Greensboro, North Carolina, Joli and Ken McCathran of Washington Grove, Maryland, and Rebecca and Rob Simmons of Aldie, Virginia; and six grandchildren, Rose and Emily McCathran, Skyler Whitfield, and Benjamin, Kira, and Sean Simmons.
Prof. Mason lived a spectacular life. Born on January 6, 1928 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as the son of Lithuanian immigrants, he came to be Professor Emeritus of Music at American University in Washington, DC. He was also a world traveler, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He loved people and enjoyed making them smile. With his booming voice and buoyant, raucous laugh he would joke with people all the time, brightening their day.
In his career as a Professor of Music he also became an internationally acclaimed choral conductor, adjudicator, and clinician. Highlights include performing with his choir at the White House, with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap Farm Park, and countless festivals, concerts, and all-state choruses throughout the country and in many parts of the world.
Before moving to the Washington, DC area, for 14 years he served as the Director of Choral Music at Ithaca High School in Ithaca, New York. Vito was also the Choir Director of the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca for 12 years (1954-1966), when Rev. Walter Dobbs was minister.
He has been listed in "Outstanding Educators of America," and "Who's Who of World Musicians." He is also the recipient of the prestigious Porter W. Averill Award for his distinguished work in choral conducting and music education.
A memorial service is planned for December 14, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 E. Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003, where he also served as the Choir Director for many years.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Vito E. Mason Vocal Music Award, c/o the Ithaca City School District, 400 Lake Street, Ithaca, New York 14850; or the Stained Glass Restoration Fund at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vito Mason
John C.F. Luzader
January 23, 2025
It is fifty one years ago I first met and sang under Vito's direction, first at a county level and then a state choir in Virginia. In 1971 I was privileged to be in the American Youth Choirs at Wolf Trap Farms first year with Vito and Geoffrey Simon's tutelage. It was am amazing experience that created a career for me (short though it was). It was due to Vito's amazing abilities that I was inspired to attend American University starting in 1972, singing at the White House, all over D.C. , and at the National Methodist Church as a Baritone/Bass section leader and soloist. Through his connections I performed with Ester Ballou, L. Bernstein, and others on the Eastern Seaboard. In January 1973 he took the AU Choir to Spain to sing and experience so much of it's culture. This while Franco was still alive. He is one of my greatest heroes for inspiring me to have some of the greatest life experiences one could have. Though my plans for a career in music was short lived I have song all over the world using what he taught me in my own profession. From 49 states, the UK, Spain , Mexico, Canada, and China the passion of music has always been in my programming due to his inspirations, passions, and mentoring. Shalom Vito. Thank you , and your family for sharing you with all of us.
Mary K Shah
January 18, 2025
Vito Mason was the featured choir director at a week- long seminar for college and High school students, and maybe choir directors. 1971, CSB-SJU, St Joseph, Mn.
I was a super senior- 6th year of undergrad, music major. It was a stunning week!! I thought of Vito on Friday ( Jan 17, 2025), as I was on my way to a St Paul Chamber Orchestra morning concert. The program included a Poulenc piece, with vocal/ instrumental parts. It immediately reminded me of Vito M, and summer '71. We sang Poulenc's Gloria, as a large choir, w/ orchestra, and I saw purple!! The only time in 77 years that I've had that experience!! At the time, I had no idea who Vito Mason was, aside from whatever notes we were given. There was no Google, no cell phone, no Wikipedia, no Internet, lol!! Not much time that week to run to the library, either!! We were all busy practicing!!
RIP Vito Mason!! Thank you for coming to Minnesota in 1971!!
Camilla Sims-Stambaugh
August 12, 2020
In 1965, Vito Mason directed the Florida All State Jr High Chorus for three days. He told us to always be natural ( think music symbol). It was a beautiful concert, I still have the scratchy recording. Many of us have never forgotten him, may he rest in peace. Camilla
Camilla Sims-Stambaugh
August 12, 2020
In 1965, Vito Mason directed the Florida All State Jr High Chorus for three days. He told us to always be natural ( think music symbol). It was a beautiful concert, I still have the scratchy recording. Many of us have never forgotten him, may he rest in peace. Camilla
Camilla
August 12, 2020
In 1965, Vito Mason directed the Florida All State Jr High Chorus for three days. He told us to always be natural ( think music symbol). It was a beautiful concert, I still have the scratchy recording. Many of us have never forgotten him, may he rest in peace. Camilla
Paul Glover
August 3, 2009
Vito convinced us we were great singers. With skills he taught enthusiasm and pride, which still resonate. My best memories of high school. My best lessons about teaching.
Bill Thomas
April 8, 2009
Well, it's high time I added some thoughts to the guest book for one of the most influential people in my life. Mr. Mason was by far one of the most demanding leaders I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I probably didn't appreciate it at the time but his inspiring leadership helped us achieve things we would not have otherwise. Being a member of the IHS Glee Club and Choir in the late 50's and early 60's was truly an honor. Mr. Mason demanded our best and he got it. His requirement that we memorize the music allowed us to concentrate on the finer points of each piece and to pay attention to his direction. I will never forget the thrill of performing in Washington, DC for the Eastern Region of the National Music Educators Conference in 1961. I just finished listening to the recording of that performance and although not perfect, for a 9 am concert it was pretty amazing. The standing ovation we received was a testament to his insistence that we give our all. He instilled a confidence in us to face any challenge and succeed. We were all so fortunate to have him in our lives. Thank you Mr. Mason for making a difference.
Ian Pomerantz
February 16, 2009
Mr. Mason was a wonderful mentor, and I am so grateful for the presence he had in my life.
Erla Zwingle
December 27, 2008
Dear Masons,
You don't need anyone to tell you what a powerful, charismatic, talented, unforgettable person Vito was. But I can tell you that my memories of him are some of the most precious of my entire life. His confidence in himself gave people (say, me) the idea that they could have confidence in themselves too. Singing for him, or playing the piano for him, or just being around him, gave me an extraordinary sense of being able to be part of him and his world. "Now you're in trouble," I can hear him saying when we'd all just done exactly what he'd asked: "Now I know you can do it." My heart goes out to you all. But just think what music he's making where he is now. Love, Erla
Christa Snow
December 27, 2008
You and Vito were always such special friends of my mother, Blanche Zwingle. Vito helped my mother buy a car after she was widowed. And she always looked forward so to the first BLTs of the season with you. You and your family are in my prayers
Kathy Zwingle
December 27, 2008
Dear Rosina,
This is such sad news for so many of us. You know we were a musical family, and Vito enriched that in all the best ways - starting with singing at a summer camp in Stewart Park, and on through 1st Pres., and High School.
But it is the continuing deep and loving friendship that you and Vito had with my mother, including your blessed visits to her in the nursing home and the hospital during her final illness that blessed me the most.
My daughter also came to love him - easy to do.
I send you my love and my prayers.
George F (Fritz) Mohn
December 12, 2008
Dear Rosina,
I, too, sang with Vito- for three full years at both IHS and the First Presbyterian Church. I remember you and your children at the church.
Choral singing remains an important part of my life. I have sung in many choruses and church choirs. My present wife, Annette, is a choral director!
I greatly enjoyed meeting Vito again at the 40th anniversary reunion of the IHS class of '59. Annette was very impressed with the admiration that so many former students had for him, even after so many years. The sympathies of both us go out to you and your family.
Vincent Timoni
December 12, 2008
Rosina...Our friendship goes back to our teenage years, but had come so very close in recent years. You and Vito celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary along with Marilyn and John. What a wonderful time Jean and I had. We cherrish that Photograph..l ..Thankyou so much I will miss our annual bets on the Red Skins/Giants games. What a joy...God Bless. Jean and Vince
Jeremy Sarant
December 7, 2008
I sang in the IHS choir for three years – 1962-64, and choir was one of the few things that fully engaged me in high school. Vito's sometimes ferocious insistence on producing the best possible performance could be terrifying, but we soon learned that it was not personal; it was always about the music and the respect the music deserved. I tracked him down a few years ago, and wrote him a thank you letter, to which I received an appreciative and cheerful response. Just last week – before I learned of Vito's passing – I was expounding to my current choir director how Vito taught us to “think higher” when singing repeated notes. A wonderful musician, and an even better teacher!
margie gordon
December 5, 2008
to Rosina and family
I was so sorry to hear of Vito's passing. He certainly was a lively person, full of life and energy when he was well and we loved having him at the museum. As I also knew him at AU, I felt a strong tie to you both. -- must be the g clef floating through the air--I hope that all the wonderful memories of times you had together will burst forth in the coming year and help you get through this difficult time.
All my best,
Margie Gordon
Cindy Besancon Walsh
December 3, 2008
Albeit many years have passed since singing with Vito in both IHS and church youth choir, I still reminisce on the magic of what he taught us all through his love of music and performing. I will be grateful to him always for instilling in me, and all his students, the confidence to produce noteworthy performances while enhancing the love of song, all kinds. He will live on forever!
Ernie Cole
December 2, 2008
I was a member of Vito's first IHS Chorus in the fall of 1953. He replaced a very popular Russel Stevenson and we in the chorus were not sure he met "our standards". He not only convinced us, he made everybody in the school appreciate him. I enjoyed singing under him and to this day I am part of an all male glee club thanks to him. At our 50th IHS reunion in 2004 he appeared and again we were given the chance to sing with him at this event. He was agreat musician, friend and person. He will be missed.
Ken Thomas
December 2, 2008
Ithaca between 1964-1967 (both IHS and First presbyterian Church) was a magical place for music. Vito Mason not only brought music to their students, but infused in us the joy of learning and performing as well as the pure love of music that has stayed with us our entire lives. We are better people for having been blessed with knowing Vito Mason. Thanks.
Martha Little Munson
December 1, 2008
Vito was a double pleasure in my life, first as my choral director at IHS when I was a student, and second, as a neighbor, here in Colesville, MD, where my husband and I got to know the whole Mason family: Rosina, their three lovely daughters, sons-in-laws, and grandchildren as well. We miss his large personality greatly, but he will remain with us forever in our memories.
Ann Lounsbery Owens
December 1, 2008
I graduated from Ithaca High School in 1956 a more confident, happy and accomplished person because of Vito Mason. He was always so encouraging as he taught us how to sing well and to strive for that elusive ensemble sound. I send my condolences to his family.
Charles Murphy
December 1, 2008
This man brought to me the quest for music and the pursuit of musical knowledge throughout more than 50 years of my life. I too was with him in the glee club, high school choir and the church choir. He will be missed physically but not in the minds of hundreds of his students - ever. Long live his memory in our hearts.
Mary Beth Wilder
December 1, 2008
Rose,
we are so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel, I just lost my Dad 6 months ago. It will get easier.
Love,
Joel, Mary Beth, Dylan, Allyson, & Madyson Wilder
Deena Atwell Rambaum
November 30, 2008
Music was the center of my high school life because of Vito Mason. I even sang on Sundays with him at the First Presbyterian Church, in the youth choir. The music we internalized has stayed with me all these years. It was Vito who made the music live. There was history and art combined. We were teenagers, but what better education could we have had? We sang what the famous choirs sang. It was a magic time at Ithaca High. We had an outstanding choir and band. The music building was the center of each day.
Thank you Vito!
Leading IHS Alma Mater, class of 1958 - 50th reunion
November 30, 2008
(the Rev. Dr.) Ron Winchell
November 30, 2008
I don't suppose a week has gone by throughout my life when, especially listening to a piece of choral music, I have not thought of Vito. I was regularly in touch with him up until a few years ago. It as such an honor and privilege to have sung in the IHS Senior Choir for three years, as well as singing in the Senior High Choir of the First Presbyterian Church.
Vito could extract the very best from those of us who sang under his leadership
because he was such a motivational and inspirational character. He loved music and he loved us - (and we loved him) - what more could he (or we) ask for in such a remarkable life?
Once, when he was adjudicating a national choral festival in W. Palm Beach, Judy and I went over to see him and we had a great visit. He was his same jovial self - full of energy and enthusiasm.
Very simply, Vito was the best!
Chuck Light
November 29, 2008
Rosina:
Please accept my deep condolences for your loss. I truly cannot believe he is gone. He was so strong and vital I am sure many of us thought he would live forever. Vito was such a vital part of my growth as a human being that it is difficult to express my feelings. My prayers are with you and your children.
Barbara Kone
November 29, 2008
I am sorry for the loss of Mr. Mason, a man who brought music into the lives of his students...for many a new and wonderful world.
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