With two of his sons holding his hands and telling him that it was ok to go, Sergeant Major Robert M. Mason, Jr. passed from this world in the early hours of May 13, 2013 after a short bout with pancreatic cancer. He joins his beloved wife Dorothy Lee, who preceded him by eight years.
Robert was born outside of Cincinnati, Ohio on June 21, 1925. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943, becoming one of the Montford Pointers, the first group of African Americans to integrate the Marines. He distinguished himself through his military service, serving with pride in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, receiving the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the line of duty. Celebration of Life Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 2:00 PM at The Bryant Mortuary 635 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94102. Interment Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 11:30 AM at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Dixon, CA.
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Sylvia Blalock
October 29, 2022
It doesn't mention what an amazing teacher and leader he was at J. Eugene McAteer High School, where he was my NJROTC commander. Truly a wonderful guide
Holly Thornton- Lennear
March 10, 2021
sorry for the miss spellings... the correct word is " No One "
Grief can be so hard, but my special memories will help me cope. .
Holly Thornton- Lennear
March 10, 2021
Know one called me to let me know you have gone away, the same year in 2013, 2months before my mom, your best friend, Sheila Thornton. In loving memory of a wonderful God Father. I will love you and miss you always. Holly Thornton Lennear
May 23, 2013
Sarge,
You made the the years in JROTC fun as well as educational.
What I learn from you I use in everyday life today.
Rest in peace.
James Jew
Class of 1978
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May 23, 2013
Sarge was always looking out for the students at McAteer whether or not you were in his NJROTC group. Thank you for your words of wisdom and for the caring discipline you taught.
My sincere condolences to the Mason family. My prayers are with you all.
Rest In Paradise Sir!!
Jo Ann Coleman
May 23, 2013
He was one of the best teachers ever at McAteer. I was in ROTC - the girls Drill team 1975-1978. Because of Sarge I learned to have integrity. May he RIP.
May 23, 2013
Thank you for being a great influence. You were someone who I looked up to and often think about. You taught us all the values of hard work, service, and honor.
Greg Holmes
Class of 1978
David Banbury
May 22, 2013
Rest in Peace Sir. Thank you for taking the time to teach us in NJROTC. Class of 1980
Jack Thomas
May 22, 2013
The saying is that old soldiers never die,they just fade away. It's not true. Sarge you will never be forgotten.Thank you for all the lessons you taught us, you will live on in our hearts and minds forever.
Marigrace Cohen
May 21, 2013
It was a honor to know and work with Sgt. Mason at McAteer High School. He inspired his colleagues with his discipline and dedication, he taught the NJROTC leadership and love of country,and taught by example,compassion and integrity. Rest in peace SGT.
SELENA RICHIE
May 17, 2013
GRANDPA, YOU WILL BE MISSED AND IN OUR PRAYERS. I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE WITHOUT PAIN AND ENOYING BEING WITH HONEYBUNCH. XOXO I WONT SAY BYE ILL JUST SAY ILL SEE YOU LATER
May 17, 2013
Dear Sarge:
May you rest in peace and thank you for all your service. Condolences to your family.
BYee
Class of 1978
Ellis Cato
May 16, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to the mason family,it was a true honor to know sgt major bob mason may he rest in peace

I will miss you Bob.
Tony Richie
May 16, 2013
Michael Logan
May 16, 2013
Uncle Bob (My hero and mentor), May GOD keep and carry you in his loving care. Your nephew and understudy. SgtMaj
Chuck Lofgren
May 15, 2013
I did know Sgt. major Mason, three wars, a real Marine, thanks for your service.R I P. Semper Fi.
Brendan Kearney
May 15, 2013
Sergeant Major, thank you for your service in three wars. Our Country owes you a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.
Semper Fidelis, Brendan P. Kearney, Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps (Ret)
hans hunt
May 15, 2013
Rest in Peace Sarge.
Thank you for everything, from your service in the conflicts to what I learned at McAteer.
You were never forgotten.
Ron Rachesky
May 15, 2013
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Sergeant Major Mason at McAteer High School. He was an inspiration to the students and staff. May he rest in peace. Ron Rachesky

Sargent Major, we raise our glass to you! Robert Mason, he transcendent values of honor and friendship...
Kita B., Bob, Melissa M.
May 14, 2013
Shirley Brooks
May 14, 2013
Rest In Paradise Sargent Major Mason. My sincere condolences go out to your family. You paved the way for generations to follow. R.I.P.
Sandra Roddy-Adams
May 14, 2013
RIP Sarge! You were a good man and an inspiration for me and many others at McAteer NJROTC. What you gave still lives in us. Thank you for your service and thank you for being you. Much love and peace to your family.
Jeffrey Hennessy
May 14, 2013
RIP Sgt Major Mason,you were an inspiration to us in High School and during our adult lives. You taught us to be honorable men and women,you will be missed.
The McAteer High School NJROTC Class of 1979.
Jeffrey Hennessy
May 14, 2013
Sgt Major Mason you were an inspiration to us in high school and during our adult lives,you will be missed by many.
May 14, 2013
I Leaned so much from this man,Who made me wanting to bea Marine ( SGT. Geter class of 1982) RIP
Sylvia Blalock
May 14, 2013
NJROTC McAteer High School- Class of 1984. I am honored to have made your acquaintance and my heart is made lighter that you have moved on to your reward for outstanding service... thank you
Sir
Carla Washington
May 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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