Birth date: Nov 21, 1936 Death date: Dec 23, 2020
Daniel Martin Mason, age 84 of Rocky River, passed away on December 23, 2020. Beloved husband of Margaret (nee Bade); loving father of Martin (Susan Ottogalli), Timothy of Portland, OR, Jean (Marco) Rizi; the cherished grandfather Read Obituary
Dan was one of my closest friends and mentor. We coached football together at South High and I had the privilege of being his JV basketball coach for three years. He was an outstanding man, friend, coach, husband, father, and Christian. His absence leaves a large void in 5his world today. My love and condolences to Mugsy and his entire family. God bless you my federal friend and may you Rest In Peace now.
Ron Gawryszewski
Rest In Peace dear one.
Memories are so so many, too many to relate. I'll always
remember our bantering back and forth, which we did so
well. Missing you does not come close to expressing my
thoughts.
From your Aunt Dinah
Mr Mason was my high homeroom teacher at South. I drove him crazy. Especially at graduation I collected hair clippings from my beautican and made wig of sorts and actually got it on his head for a split second anyway. Thought he would kill me but we all laughed.I think I shocked hime that I had the nerve to pull it off. Great memories. RIP my friend. I was also fortunate to have Mrs Mason as my gym teacher at A.B.Hart.when she was pregnant with their first born. Wonderful lady. Sending higs and prayers you.
Nancy Markuszka
I want to say to Coach Dan and to his Loving family. I had the honor of being Coached, by Coach Dan, At South High School IN 1975 -to 78. He was the nicest caring and truthful man i new. He was so like my Dad. My heart goes out you And my thoughts and prayers also. God Bless him. See you on the other side Coach.
So sorry to hear of the loss of a great teacher . He was always kind and understanding . I really liked talking to him in school . He refereed my daughter's basketball games at Magnificot and when he heard her name he asked if I were her Dad and she said yes . And she said look up he is right there , we talked and laughed about south 68 69 70 . Rest in peace my friend .
Mr. Mason taught me drivers training in 1965. He was so kind and calm that he made it stressful to learn . I thought he was handsome!
Head Varsity Basketball Coach & Assistant Coach for Varsity Football, South High School, Cleveland, Ohio.
I have lots of memories of Coach Mason. I first met Dan in the September of 1961 when my friend and I told him that Holy Name was going to run the Single Wing offense. I thought that this might be helpful but Coach Gentile and Dan just smiled and said thanks. Little did I know that they were being kind because the Single Wing was archaic even in 1961. All the Single Wing did was feature Frankie Solich which would have happened no matter what offense Holy Name ran. Besides, no one could stop Frank. I think he still holds the Orange Bowl record for longest punt return for a touchdown when he played for Nebraska. The reason I mention this event is because I remember Dan’s smile as we disclosed our intelligence information. Gentile was cordial but no smiles from John.
I spent the whole 1962 Varsity Basketball season with Dan because I was the teams manager along with another kid who had been the manager for a year or two prior to my showing up to help.
I went to every game and every practice. During games I would keep chart the shots for Dan but I must have been bad at it because I only did it a couple of times. Anyway, during practice Dan would send me to Orzacks Tavern to get cheeseburgers. He always bought be one. “I’ll buy, you fly,” he said. Well, I wasn’t a South High Flyer for nothing. By the way, those were the best burgers I ever had and I have had a few during the intervening years.
Coach Mason was the best guy to tape ankles. Watching him tape someone was like magic. He worked so fast and when he was done it was an art form. He learned that at Purdue.
He told me he was proud to be a Boilermaker and showed me his class ring. I know that’s a random comment but it impressed me back then and I never forgot it.
After leaving South I ended up in the service because of Viet Nam. After six years active duty I came back home. I was out looking for a job, it was August of 1971 so I went to see the new South High School. As luck would have it, I was walking across the gym floor and here comes Gentile and Dan Mason followed by the football team heading for practice.
Coach Gentile was in the lead, when he saw me he said, “What are you doing here?” And he kept walking. Coach Mason shook my hand, gave me a smile, looked over towards Gentile and shrugged his soldiers and said, “Welcome back. Come see me again when I have time to talk.” Dan was the only reason I stopped to say hello in the first place. I moved away and rarely went back to Cleveland but I never forgot how he would see me, say my name and then pretend he was a sports announcer, “Norm Shearey, 6, 5, 255!” That was funny because back then I was 5’10” and 155 lbs. But, that was Dan, always good for a laugh and putting you at ease.
So, long Coach. Thanks for being you
i have a picture I have i will find! My friend Carrie jumping on his back! Best picture ever!
He was one of my favorite teachers and coach at South high school 82 RIP ❤️
Mr. Mason was a great teacher and coach. He later became my friend and peer pin the officiating world. His students and friends are better people having known him. Rest In Peace, Dan.
Ken Pflug
