Anthony Mason

1966 - 2015

Anthony Mason

1966 - 2015

BORN

1966

DIED

2015

Anthony Mason Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 28, 2015.
NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Mason, the rugged power forward who was a defensive force in the NBA from the 1990s into the early 21st century, has died. He was 48.

New York Knicks spokesman Jonathan Supranowitz confirmed Mason's death, which was first reported Saturday by the New York Daily News.

The 6-foot-7 Mason won the NBA's Sixth Man award in 1995 with a Knicks team that was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in one of its classic clashes with the Indiana Pacers. Mason also won all-defensive-team honors two years later with the Charlotte Hornets.

Mason's career averages — 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds — don't tell the full story of his game. A solid, muscular presence down low, Mason was there to play defense, and on coach Pat Riley's bruising teams, he could shine.

Mason played for New York from 1991-1996, and then for the Charlotte Hornets until 2000. He made his only All-Star team in 2001 as a member of the Miami Heat, after reuniting with Riley.

He wasn't all grit, though. Despite his plodding look, Mason was a nimble athlete and deft ballhandler who often had words or designs styled into his hair.

Mason was drafted in the third round out of Tennessee State in 1988 by Portland, but he never played for the Trail Blazers. After a brief stint overseas, he played sparingly in 21 games for the New Jersey Nets and Denver Nuggets before he finally caught on with Riley's defense-first Knicks in 1991. He was a force for them as they made a run to the 1994 Finals, and clashed with other powerful Eastern Conference teams, including Michael Jordan's Bulls.

With the Hornets, Mason played three strong seasons in four years, missing 1998-99 due to injury, before Riley brought him to Miami where he was coaching a Heat team that played with the same style as those Knicks teams with which Mason flourished.

At Tennessee State, Mason was dominant, and was the school's first All-Ohio Valley Conference selection. In the 1987-88 season, he took a school-record 247 free throws.

Mason went to high school in the New York City borough of Queens, where his son Anthony Jr. would later play for St. John's University before going on to a pro career in the minor leagues and overseas. Another son, Antoine, is at Auburn this season after transferring from Niagara, where he graduated after finishing second nationally with 25.6 points per game last season.

RICK FREEMAN, AP Sports Writer


Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Anthony Mason's Guest Book

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April 19, 2022

tim o'connel posted to the memorial.

February 1, 2016

Tee posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2015

Loletha Richardson posted to the memorial.

130 Entries

tim o'connel

April 19, 2022

love splashing with you in midtown post your playing career RIP Tim O'connell

Tee

February 1, 2016

As the source of life God can and will restore life to someone who has died. This is a wonderful promise from God who doesn't lie!(Psalms36:9)My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Loletha Richardson

May 17, 2015

Lola loved to watch you play basketball God bless and take care of your family

Lola Richards

May 17, 2015

rip

Kabila Jones

May 16, 2015

I knew you as a great Knick. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

April 27, 2015

May the Mason family allow the scriptures to continue to comfort you during this time.

V. Hill

March 26, 2015

I always admired Mase style of play. My condolences to the family may the God of all comfort sustain you in the weeks and months to come. May you reflect on the good times with Anthony during those difficult moments.

India'Yolanda Collins

March 16, 2015

I miss you Mason. We had lots of fun. We even were pulled over in Rye, New York. You informed me to stay in the car.I cannot believe you are gone. Remember, I was the loyal fan who paid over $50,000 per year to see the Knicks play. I was called a groupie. I loved watching you and Oakley.

March 11, 2015

Much respect to Mr Mason, rest in peace, may GOD cover your family with lots of love, peace and understanding!

William Starnes

March 10, 2015

Much respect to the Mason family. I got to meet Anthony and his son Antoine at Auburn in November, after the first home game. Great guys.

James West

March 9, 2015

I met and hung out with Mase a lot when he played with the Charlotte Hornets. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mason family during this sad time. Rest in peace "Big Man" Love you!!

A. Burnett

March 8, 2015

May the Angels guide you while you fly to your eternal home.

sharon coleman

March 7, 2015

my deepest condolences to the family, peace and strength..

Olga Tucker

March 7, 2015

I will always remember your witt .May you R.I.P. my son. Love you always.

March 7, 2015

Rest in peace classmate, it was a pleasure to have attended TSU with you. You were funny, charismatic and you made everyone feel as though you were their friend.

Brenda Turner

March 7, 2015

To the Mason family, Anthony will be missed dearly, I watched him years ago in every game, it was amazing. if he wasn't playing, I wasn't watching. I loved the way he played with the Knicks, My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. its sad to see a Conrad leave us so soon. May you rest in peace Brenda Turner, NY

Monica Robertson

March 7, 2015

RIP, WILL MISS YOU AT THE 30TH REUNION THIS YEAR Springfield Gardens HS Class of 1985 WOULD HAVE LOVE TO SEE YOU , Condolences to the your Family.

Lucretia Yvette Grant

March 7, 2015

To the Mason Family. Sorry about the death of Anthony Mason. He was a good ball play until his career was over. I love him and the way he play with the Knicks team. May God bless you all.

judy c. perkins

March 7, 2015

may Anthony mason r.i.p.
send condolences to family
always hard to lose a loved one

Kim Moreland

March 7, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Mason family. Mr. Anthony Mason R.I.P . I pray that God will give your family peace, strength and comfort during this hard time . Lord keep this family in prayer.
Mr. Mason you will be miss. To little Anthony my heart feel your pain . God please give him strength .
Kim Moreland (Beaumont Texas)

tTYRUS jONES

March 7, 2015

R.I.P.

March 7, 2015

What an honor to have known you and loved you. Words can not express the feeling of knowing that you've passed away. I wish I can tell you all the things that I never got the chance to say before ..you really meant so much to me and I thank God that he allowed our paths to cross. I've always been told to give people flowers when they are alive so I am thankful that you were able to smell my roses . I pray that our dear kind Heavenly Father welcomes you into his gates with thanksgiving and praise and that you hear those words, well done my good and faithful servant. To the family , oh death where is thy sting for Jesus said that he conquered the grave. Through distance and time

March 7, 2015

To the Mason family may the love from the God of all comfort make your hearts firm while you trust in him for support and strength as you mourn the loss of Mr. Mason. My deepest condolences to your family. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)

March 7, 2015

"RIP"YOU AND YOUR FAMLIY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.LET'S JUST THANK GOD FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES THAT YOU HAD.YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN (THE WILLIAMS FAMILY) FOUNTAIN INN SC

Ray Cloud

March 6, 2015

God bless your family I enjoyed watching you play for New York rest in peace

Yvette M

March 6, 2015

Mase, you will be missed a great deal. Loved to watch you playing, you were the best player of the 1994 Knicks team; I will always remember you. You're the man!!! Peace Be with the Mason Family during this time of Bereavement.

Natalie Thomas

March 6, 2015

Enjoyed seeing you play and loved you even more because you looked like my son. RIP

one of the greats, thank you Mase..

Shawn G

March 5, 2015

the whitlock family

March 5, 2015

Rip Mase...you will be missed immensely.

michelle w.

March 5, 2015

Mase,I remember giving you pointers about your shooting and jump shots, lol..you gave me that dimpled smile and a high five, Antoine will carry on your legacy of greatness. Thank God for giving us you and him, amen..rip nephew in law.

Johnny Phillips

March 5, 2015

Loved watching the "man child" play the great game of basketball. Shocked to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers are with family. Johnny Phillips, Fort Mill, SC

Stephanie Yvette Simmons

March 5, 2015

Peace be with the Mason Family during this time of breavement. Anthony and me were classmates and I worked with him in the TSU athletic training room as a student trainer. I will alway remember his gentle spirit and competitive Determination on and off the court! RIH

Stacy Stevenson

March 5, 2015

Fam u were. Fam u will always be.
U were Gladys, Dolores, Darryl and Kenny heart of hearts(good times/trial times ) It was a pleasure to
know u and share in family events
w/u. U will be miss and
I will say this Anthony - RIH - be at
peace. You have your wings -Job
well done here on earth. Stacy

March 5, 2015

My comfort and love goes out to the Mason Family

G. Freeman

March 5, 2015

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Christopher Lee Jr

March 5, 2015

Sorry for your loss Mason was a force to recon wit will always remember his toughness

Derek Walker

March 5, 2015

God words provide comfort at this great time of loss. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13,14

Elnathan Davis

March 5, 2015

My condolences to the family. We long for the day when God will permently remove the "sting of death" from us..

Solomon F. Burke

March 4, 2015

I saw him play and enjoyed his style of play. He gave NY'ers great basketball games. So young I am sadden by his death, may God forever bless his family.
Solomon F. Burke (S C & Bronx, NY)

March 4, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort & peace provide for your family.

Ski Krinsky

March 4, 2015

MAS you were great for New York and the Knicks. RiP

YOU BROUGHT THE TOUGHNESS

March 4, 2015

To: The Mason family sorry for your loss Anthony was a, great basketball player from Lee Mason,and family from New Jersey.

Pamela Sammons

March 4, 2015

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Mason family. May you look to God to see you through this sad time. Anthony and I were very close his last year at TSU and although it's been 27 years since I last saw him, it seems like yesterday. He was an amazing man. I am lucky to have known him. You will definitely continue to be in my prayers.

GAYLE ANDERSON

March 4, 2015

SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS, I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT HIM LAST MONTH. I'M A FAN THAT'S ALL, I DID GET TO MEET HIM ONCE.I HAD A PICTURE TAKEN WITH HIM I THINK IT WAS AROUND THE TIME SIN BAD WAS DOING THE SOUL MUSIC FEST. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY. ANTHONY MAY YOU REST IN PEACE YOU WERE ONE OF THE BEST.

EDWARD BINNS

March 4, 2015

I AM SO SORRY OF YOUR LOSS, MY PRAYER IS WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

MD

March 4, 2015

We gonna miss mase at cuttys barbershop. Everytime he came in, it was a lot jokes fun an laughter. We gonna miss u big homie.... RIP

Bettye Wilson

March 4, 2015

I was so sorry to hear of Anthony's passing. May you find peace in your many family memories, and may God keep you and your family in His care .
Mother of Darryl & Darwin Wilson .
(Mrs Wheeler's Bluebird Nursery)

Kee

March 4, 2015

Anthony...was one of the most generous people I knew. He was very loyal and was a gentle giant to me. I will mostly remember his humor. He will be dearly missed. Blessings to his family. Kee

March 4, 2015

I remember watching Anthony was very entertaining. If you were trying to take it to the rim he and Charles Oakley were there to knock you out. He will be missed. My condolences to the Mason family.

March 4, 2015

To. The. Mason family. , you have my condolences , may you be comfort . RC. Wis.

Shirlyn Diego

March 4, 2015

Oh my Anthony! We used to call him "goose" when we were teens! Anthony as well as my sis and 4 bros grew up together! We were devastated when we heard he passed away! The countless Sunday Dinners and played video games in our parents basement will 4ever be remembered! I loved Anthony as another one of my brothers! I will always love you Anthony! May God be with you! Q- Borough Leslie Road, Selover Road, Anderson Road, 120thave, Merrick Blvd. #placesWEmarkedinQUEENS LOVE U MUCH; BUT I MISS U MORE! :-(

Reggie Wells

March 4, 2015

My deepest condolences goes out to the Mason Family. May God be you at this time. It was a honor to know him as a friend. Fun loving guy. May be gone but not forgotten.

Sharon Murrell

March 3, 2015

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE MASON FAMILY MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED. OUR PRAYERS AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU ALL FROM MY FAMILY TO YOUR FAMILY. MACE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER. HE IS LOVED THROUGHOUT NEW YORK, ESPECIALLY QUEENS, WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR HIS STRENGTH AND COURAGE ON AND OFF THE BASKETBALL COURT, HE MADE US PROUD..WE THANK GOD FOR HIM AND ARE BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM. R.I.P.

Christopher Ingram

March 3, 2015

My heart felt prayers are with the family. I am deeply sadden for your family loss and my friend.
Rest in Peace Mase love you bruh.

christopher ingram

March 3, 2015

Mase was a tough competitor on the court and a kind soft hearted guy off.We played against each other in college and together in Long Island.He was a good friend to have and hang out with, he enjoyed and lived life everyday like it was last.I love you Mase and you are truly missed by all.Rest in Paradise

March 3, 2015

I am sorry for your loss. God is opening his hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16

herbert crosby

March 3, 2015

my condulences to the family. I went to springfield high school with mase. a great person, always smiling. he will be greatly missed.

T. T.

March 3, 2015

This gentleman was very young, and I am so sorry that he has died. He got to achieve his dream that of baseball. My hope is that his children will earn from their father's example that it is important to achieve their dreams, and that it is necessary to keep God first in order to have a successful life,and in order to be happy and get through challenges in life.

M. LOUISE

March 3, 2015

My heartfelt condolences are with Mase's family and close friends at this time. It's comforting to know that Jesus likened death to a 'rest in sleep'- John 11:11-13.

Boris Noel

March 3, 2015

God bless.

Carolyn Murray

March 3, 2015

To The Mason Family,
This is a most difficult time (loosing a parent), may the children keep faith first & foremost. The belief in the Almighty will surround you with the strength to get through this, he is in a much better, serene place now. He will suffer no more pain, he will always love you & his spirit will always stay with you if you believe. I will always remember his NBA career. RIP

March 3, 2015

I give my condolences to the family. May you find peace in the days to come with the memories you have with him.

Mia A

March 3, 2015

May the peace of God be with you because of your loss. Remember that God hears the prays of the righteous ones - Proverbs 15:29.

March 3, 2015

So sorry to read of one so young pass away. May the love of family and friends & the hope the bible gives at John11: 25 bring inner peace at this difficult time.

Jakim Collins

March 3, 2015

RIP Big Mase! The heavenly pick up game just got a great player for the next game.

March 3, 2015

May the love of God be with the family,and give the peace.......

Allan Burkett

March 2, 2015

May this light shines on your journey to your eternal home..

Chris Sims

March 2, 2015

My classmate (TSU), my friend. Rest in Heavenly Peace.

dave

March 2, 2015

a truly fine person and gave of himself, did an autograph session for the kids of fair lawn, nj without charging for it, played ball with the kids after, RIP big guy

Clifford McCullough

March 2, 2015

He'll. Be truly. Missed! Really. Sorry for your. Loss, I really. Enjoyed. Watching. Him play, me and my cousin. Called. Him big nasty, because. He had a mean left handed. Jump shot , and man can he dribble, god BLESS. Anthony. Mason. Known. To me as Big Nasty. R.I. P.

March 2, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Mason family. may the God of all comfort help your family to endure during this time of grief.

March 2, 2015

I am sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by the hope of seeing Anthony again in paradise.

O,T

March 2, 2015

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Robin Reason

March 2, 2015

To the MASON family so sorry for your loss Anthony will be missed by many people we can just remember all the good times andwhat hehas done for many people R.I.P.

March 2, 2015

Deepest sympathy at the lost of your loved one.
Houston, Texas

LaDonna Woods

March 2, 2015

I've known Mase for nearly 30 years during which he never changed in his charisma, uniqueness, unpredictable behavior, love for God, his family and the sport. The CEO of Fam 14 will forever be missed. May God strengthen family and friends during this hour of sorrow over Anthony's passing. -L

Camille

March 2, 2015

My dearest friend. I am at a loss for words. After 18 years since we last spoke I always dreamed I would hear your voice again. I never imagined our friendship ending so soon, like this. I'm happy your children know his much you love them and I pray for your families continued strength. You will always be missed.

Sherlvon Brooks

March 2, 2015

Praying peace and comfort to the family at this time. We here in Tennessee and fans from Tennessee State University are saddened to hear the passing of our brother, past player, teammate. Knowing God is in control and he makes no mistakes. Anthony was with us a short time but his memory will live on within our hearts. May God Bless and keep the family comforted at this time and times to come.

Betty

March 2, 2015

May God bless your family at this time.

Cjt

March 2, 2015

Anthony Mason Family,I was so sorry to hear of Anthony's passing,May the God who gives comfort and peace be with you all at this most difficult time.

John and Brenda

March 2, 2015

To the Mason Family: We offer our heartfelt condolences for Mason's death. He was a great ball player and was very much admired by his fans. Please allow God Almighty to be your refuge and your strength during this time of great sorrow. (Psalm 91:2)

March 2, 2015

REST IN PEACE.
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
LEAN ON JESUS TO HEAL YOUR BROKEN HEARTS.

March 2, 2015

God bless...

March 2, 2015

Anthony, Antoine, Mason Family,

So sorry. Our prayer are with the Mason Family. We will always think about the years that he played basketball. He has that look, But he could play ball. He is missed. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33

Charles W. Frederick, Jr.

March 2, 2015

Thank you for the years of good solid basketball. . . Rest In Peace. GOD Bless you Mason family. . . . . Chuck Frederick

March 2, 2015

May the God of all comfort and peace be with your fond memories.

March 2, 2015

From all Baketballer's from Akron, Ohio---Please accept our condolence---Roy A Humphrey

Melissa Briggs

March 2, 2015

My condolences go out to the family & know that your love one will surely be missed. A beautiful person with a heart of gold. You truly have earned your wings.

Linda

March 2, 2015

When we lose loved ones no words can remove the pain felt by the family and friends. Memories can bring back good times and thoughts of being with our cherished ones. May the inner peace that comes from comfort you receive from others help bring some relief. My most sincere condolence for your loss.

Greg George

March 1, 2015

To the Mason Family,

You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. He was a great outstanding athlete and loved his game. May he rest in eternal peace.

" In God's Hands "

John Love

March 1, 2015

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our dear friend 'Mase'. We are forever grateful for his friendship and his love towards us. We'll always remember him and his 'warrior like' attitude. We are thankful for the time we had with him at chapel and so glad to know he is really "In God's hands." He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are for each one of you in the family as we know this is the trial of your faith.
1Peter 1:7 Nobody understands your sorrow like Jesus, so lean hard on Him.
We are here for you. Pastor John Love, Maureen, Jessica and "Beckster"~Becky.

March 1, 2015

My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of unending compassion,
comfort, and console the the family
during and after this difficult time.
May the fondest memories forever be
cherished.
My sincere and heartfelt prayers
are with the family.
(Psalm 145:19)

~Elizabeth, Atlanta, Ga

March 1, 2015

My condolence to the Mason Family, Friends, and Fans. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time. -Isaiah 61:1,2
~Catherine

Scott Chamberland

March 1, 2015

Please accept my Deepest Sympathies

Edward Harper

March 1, 2015

Sad news, great athlete, even better person! You will be missed.

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April 19, 2022

tim o'connel posted to the memorial.

February 1, 2016

Tee posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2015

Loletha Richardson posted to the memorial.