Jason Connor Mara

Naples, FL

April 29, 1993 - June 20, 2023

Naples, FL - Jason Connor Mara, formerly of Phoenixville, PA, died suddenly in his home on Tuesday morning, June 20, 2023. He was 30 years old.

Jason was an artist, an entrepreneur, and a dreamer whose passion for life was evident at a young age and grew with every day he lived. He was born at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Beverly Hills, CA, a son of George Michael Mara Jr. and Maryanne Patricia Mara (Melanson), both formerly of Waltham, MA. Shortly after his birth, the family moved across the country to Cranbury, NJ where at the age of one Jason hit his first golf ball and sang his first song. Inquisitive and outgoing, he became instant friends with all in the neighborhood with his vivacious demeanor and engaging smile. He loved going on adventures with his mother and to work with his father. Right from the "get-go" he enjoyed travel, whether it was driving to MA to be with family or getting on a plane to visit a new city, he was engaged.

At two, Jason moved with his parents to Walnut Creek, CA. It was here that his natural yearning for adventure was developed. He learned to ride his first bike "fast" around the paths and the hills of Walnut Creek. He loved hiking in Mt Diablo State Park, and camping at Yosemite. He also continued trips back and forth to MA to visit family - he loved being with his grandparents George & Kay Melanson and "Nana", Janet Mara, as well as his aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was here too that a new magic entered his life when his brother Nicholas was born. This time of innocence and unadulterated love was something to behold. Jason incessantly shared his ideas of actions with his new brother Nick.

In the spring of 1998 the family settled in Phoenixville, PA, and a new phase of Jason's life began. Here his academic and social adventures were fostered, first at the Phoenixville Area Kindergarten Center, then at Schuylkill Elementary School. He began playing the saxophone and became hooked on the performing arts when during a fifth grade production of King Tut, he burst onto the stage and rendered an energetic jazz solo on his saxophone to thunderous applause. This love of music and performance followed him to the Phoenixville Area Middle School where he excelled in the award-winning Jazz Band.

Under his own volition, Jason transferred to Devon Prep and then on to Malvern Prep for his high school years. Here, in addition to expanding his talent on saxophone, he fell in love with guitar and piano and began writing and producing his own music, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He was enthralled with the opportunities the music business presented him. He formed bands and played concerts on a regular basis. He also signed his first professional contract as an artist and songwriter during this time.

In addition to music, Jason excelled in sports. He earned his varsity letter in both golf and tennis while at Malvern Prep. He was an enthusiastic skier who, as with everything, enjoyed putting on a show. He'd hurtle down the slopes adroitly performing tricks like twists, turns, backward flips and big air jumps. The more people were watching, the bigger he went. As in all his endeavors, he was dauntless.

Upon graduation, Jason moved back to California where he attended Cal State LA, took courses at Berklee College of Music, and attended a summer program at Emerson LA. Here his professional pursuit in all aspects of the music and entertainment industry continued in earnest. He wrote, published, and produced music for himself as well as various other artists. Songwriting came naturally to him and over the years he assembled an impressive catalogue spanning genres from Pop to Rap to Ballads. He loved collaborating with other artists and was most happy when working on a project.

In addition to his career in music, Jason was also a serial entrepreneur. His pursuits as a business creator were exhaustive. He had a knack for thinking up a business endeavor, designing a plan of execution, beginning the business and then moving onto the next. He was resilient - when life presented him with difficulties and personal struggles, he always managed to pick himself up, dust himself off, and move relentlessly onto the next endeavor, the next project, the next dream. We will sorely miss what he could have accomplished, what he could have become.

Jason loved life, loved people, and had a generous heart. He had a burning desire to make this world a better place and firmly believed that, with the grace of God and an unwavering passion, he could make that vision come to pass. A larger than life, beautiful, man who could light up a room with his endearing smile and immense energy, graced us with his too short 30 years of life, and is now among the angels, for eternity, watching down on us with his love. Godspeed Jason Connor Mara - We Love You and miss you dearly.

In addition to his parents, George "Michael" Mara Jr. and Maryanne P. Mara (Melanson), Jason leaves behind his beloved brother Nicholas George Mara (Meredith Kruse) and his niece, Charlotte Ann Mara of Phoenixville; his loving Grandmothers Janet Mara of Hudson, MA, and Kathleen Melanson of Scituate, MA; his aunts Gayle Mara (Mark Miller), Debra Haffey (Michael), Marlene Melanson; his uncles Francis Melanson (Brenda), Kevin Mara (Diane), George Melanson (Joan); and his cousins; Eric Falconer (Rebecca), Jessica Marotta (Michael) Scott Mara, Michael Melanson (Ashley), John Hubbard, Paul Hubbard (Debora), Brittney Rourke, Ryan Haffey (Lianne), Jeffrey Mara (Erin), Lindsay Melanson, Lauren Melanson, Rene LaPorte, Robin LaPorte, and Jack Cronin.

Jason was predeceased by his Grandfathers, George R. Melanson and George M. Mara; and his cousin Brian J. Mara. May they greet him with love at the Gates of Heaven to show him the way.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jason's life with a memorial service on Saturday July 15th at St John's Lutheran Church - St. John's Circle, Phoenixville, PA. Initial gathering begins at 11:00 am, with a service at 12:00 noon, and lunch at 1:00 pm. To view service on video, go to: https://www.stjohnluthphoenixville.org

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Youth at Risk - Music for All Seasons https://www.musicforallseasons.org/