Ronald "Monk" Mason

Ronald “Monk” Mason, 76, of Monongahela, was surrounded by his wife and family when he passed away of natural causes on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Born in Donora on Christmas Eve in 1948, Monk was fun-loving, easy-going, and knew how to be the life of the party. Anyone who knew Monk would call him friendly, funny, trustworthy, and someone anybody could (and did) love.

After graduating from Donora High School in 1966, Monk enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served in the Vietnam War.  His tour was cut short by the death of his father, but he has continued his commitment to his brothers-in-arms as a member of the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad.  Monk worked for many years at the Mathies Mine as a safety inspector.  A longtime member of the UMWA, Monk proudly served as Recording Secretary of Local 2244 for over four decades.

Monk is preceded in death by his parents, John & Lila Metzler Mason; his twin sister, Connie Radic; his siblings, Jack Mason, James Mason, Gary Gust and Sharon Pihota; and his stepson, Chad Barber.

Monk leaves behind a large, loving extended family and many loyal friends.  He is mourned by his wife, Kathleen Acton-Mason of Monongahela; his siblings, Eddie Gust, Sandy Gnora, Annette Winters, and Patricia Peck; his stepson, Richard Barber; his daughter-in-law, Amelia Barber; his grandsons, Chad Barber, Jr. and Charles Yoder; and innumerable nieces, nephews, cousins, and a lifetime of friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in the Frye Funeral Home, Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela, where services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Frank Menhart officiating. Interment will follow in the Monongahela Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad.