Daniel J. Mason

Daniel Mason, 68, of Baldwinville, passed away on Thursday, December 18,2025, after a short illness. His wife Terry and other family members were by his side when he passed from this life.

Dan and his siblings grew up in the family home affectionately called "the farm" in Westminster, MA. He was a graduate of Oakmont High School and UMass Amherst. He later moved to Gardner, living in an apartment over John's Sport Shop, and worked in the manufacturing department at Simplex Time Recorder (later Tyco) in Gardner and Westminster for many years until they closed. He worked at Newark America (paper factory) in Fitchburg for several years, and finally at Anthony's Liquor Mart in Gardner prior to his retirement.

Dan was a quiet and reserved person on the outside, but his passion for the things that he loved made his face light up, and he could talk to you for hours on any of those subjects. His biggest passion was hunting, specifically bow-hunting. During hunting season, he would often head for the woods behind the farm and his brother Mickey's house, finding peace in the solitude of sitting quietly in his tree stand, waiting for that big buck to wander into his sights. During rifle season, Dan would often head into the woods with his father and brother, usually with breakfast at the farm before the early morning hunt began. He was fortunate to have fulfilled a dream of hunting in Montana with his dad and brother, and he was a lifelong member of the Westminster Rod & Gun Club.

Dan was also a voracious reader - whether it be books or magazines - he would immerse himself in deep, thoughtful novels, or read anything and everything about hunting, firearms, timber frame houses, and his favorite subject, World War II.

In 1996, he and his wife Terry were married at the Congregational Church in Westminster, where his sister Sally, who was a recent graduate of Seminary School, was the co-officiant, adding an extra-special touch to the joyous occasion.

Together, Dan and Terry loved to spend summer vacations at Hampton Beach, NH. The beach was a beautiful and special place for the two of them and they would often sit on the benches beachside or directly behind the bandstand stage for hours at a time, people-watching and just letting the soothing sounds of the ocean waves surround them with peaceful contentment. Waking up early in the morning and sitting on their hotel porch or balcony to watch the sunrise was one of their most favorite things to do, especially if they had a cup of coffee in hand.

Dan also held a very special place in his heart for Plum Island, having spent time there during his childhood. In later years, he and his sister Sue and younger brother Bill would bring Sally there to revel in the magnificence of the ocean, grab some seafood for lunch, and always some ice cream on the way home.

Dan and Terry loved to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy together - that was their weeknight routine while having dinner. He always excelled at the Jeopardy categories about authors and world events, while Terry would beat him handily in the music and television categories - lol. Sunday afternoon card games with Terry's family were always a fun experience, as were the holiday cookouts at the farm, where rides in his dad's old tractor or Model A car were definitely an adventure. Nights spent around the firepit at the farm, or at the home of dear friends, were a great source of fun, entertainment, and fellowship.

Although there are too many things that Terry will miss about Dan being gone now, the one thing that she will miss the most is the comforting embrace in his arms that was always waiting for her at the end of the day. That, and his singing Barry Manilow songs to her (Dan knew the words - Barry himself did not - according to Dan!)

Dan was pre-deceased by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Jane Mason, and his older brother Robert (Mickey) Mason, Jr. He leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Terry, siblings Rev. Sally (Dwight) Calhoun, Sue Klockars, and William (Bill) Mason, sister-in-law Karen Mason, nieces Sarah Calhoun, Jennifer (Joe) Reich, and Shelly (Dave) Sylvester, nephews Jeremy Klockars, Marc (Heidi) Mason, and Adam (Betty) Mason, and many great-nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will also be terribly missed by Terry's loving family - Marge (mama), Steve, Lorraine, Jacob, Charlotte, Julie and Randy - and by very special friends Bonnie, George, Trevor, Angela, Cash & Ellie.

There will be no services as per Dan's request. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dan's memory to the Westminster Rod & Gun Club, 175 Knower Road, Westminster, MA 01473.

Terry would like to thank the staff of Heywood Hospital in Gardner, and the ICU/PCU departments of St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester for the compassion and exceptional care they provided during Dan's illness. The kindness you showed to all of us will not be forgotten.

"Until we meet again on the other side my love - you will be in my heart forever."