Maxwell Joseph "Max" Mason

Maxwell Joseph Mason (age 21) passed away on March 16, 2023, following a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Born to Joseph and Elizabeth Mason on January 17, 2002, Max was a shining light and a joy from the moment he came into this world, and he grew up to become a kind, intelligent, and brave young man.

Max was thoughtful and selfless. His memory will live on through his friends and family. Max's friends are a testament to who Max was. He surrounded himself with people who supported him unconditionally, and he made sure to give the same support to them. Max let each of us know that we were loved each day.

Max's laughter and sense of humor will be dearly missed. He was always positive and could make anyone feel better about themselves with one sincere comment or hug. It is no wonder his favorite color as a child was yellow, as it is the color of sunshine, smiles, and optimism.

Max was brilliant and witty. He attended Seldens Landing Elementary, Belmont Ridge Middle School, Riverside High School, and the University of South Carolina. Despite not having the opportunity to finish his college career, Max made all of us proud by making the President's and Dean's Lists, meeting lifelong friends, joining the Sigma Psi Mu professional fraternity, and setting himself up for a very fruitful career in his chosen field of Sports Management. His immediate goal after college was to become an NFL scout.

Max was fearless, and he never let anything stand in his way. He succeeded in every sport he tried. He cherished his time playing center and long snapper on his high school football team. He loved to watch basketball, cheering on the Miami Heat. The team invited Max to attend a game in February where he met a few of the players. When Max told one of the players that the team inspired him, he responded that Max was the true inspiration for the team. Max always seemed to know the statistics of every player, team, and matchup, making him a good friend to have during fantasy football season, unless it was your week to play against him.

When Max was diagnosed with cancer on Thanksgiving of 2021, it devastated and terrified his family. Throughout his illness, Max never complained, never became angry, and never gave up. His perseverance, strength, and spirit will inspire us for the rest of our own lives.

Max is survived by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Mason, his sister and best friend, Abigail Mason, and his grandfather, Craig Cooke. Max was adored by his aunts and uncles, Kristen and Craig Cooke and Frances and Adam Cooke, as well as his cousins, Mackenna, Breleigh, Emerson, Anastacia, and Gabriella Cooke. Extended family in both Connecticut and Wisconsin will cherish his memory. Max is preceded in death by several beloved family members, including his maternal grandmother, Terry Cooke, his paternal grandparents, Joe and Sonja Mason, and a great uncle, Bill Richards.

So the many friends and relatives scattered throughout the country can attend, a celebration of Max's life will be held on July 8, 2023 at Lansdowne Resort. The program will begin with a visitation at 11:00am, followed by a memorial service and reception. In keeping with Max's love of sports and his disdain for neckties, we welcome you to attend in the attire of your favorite sports team.

In lieu of flowers, per Max's wishes, the family asks you to please consider a memorial donation to the Virginia Cancer Specialists Cancer Foundation, which provides financial support to patients needing assistance: https://www.vcscancerfoundation.org/support

Maxwell Joseph "Max" Mason