Ronald Francis Mason

Ronald F. Mason, Sr. departed this life on July 28, 2017 at the age of 89. Ronald was born on June 23, 1928 to the late Joseph W. and Celina Dedeaux Mason. He was a devoted husband to Gladys Gautier Mason for 66 years. Father of Ronald Jr. (Belinda), David (Shelia), and Steven Mason, Sheila Bailey (Rodney), Darlene A. Williams (Alan); Grandfather of Nia, Quentin, Jeremy, Jared, Kenan Mason; Christopher, Gaylan, Brittney, Teresa Williams; Mason Bailey; and six step grandchildren. Ronald, Sr is also survived by a sister, Alida Neveu, brother, Robert Mason, Sr., sisters-in-law, Doris Hamilton, Emelda Beaudoin, Dorothy Gautier; brothers-in-law Leon (Vivian), Edmund, Leonard (Alvina) Gautier, Everett Labat. Ronald, Sr. was preceded in death by his son, Gary Joseph Mason; two grandsons, Ronald F. Mason III and Bernell Mason; sisters, Myrtle (George) and Irma Grace (Ralph); brothers, Joseph (Naomi), Alvin (Althea); sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Mason, Shirley Labat, Delores Gautier; brothers-in-law, Donald Neveu, Sr., Noel and Lloyd Gautier, Nolan Hamilton, Sr., James Beaudoin. Ronald, Sr. is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews; special family friends, Valera Francis, Walter Francois; and special nephew/son, David “Clyde” Mason. Ronald, Sr. attended St. Katherine Elementary School, Xavier University Preparatory School and Xavier University of Louisiana. He served in the United States Army as a Medical Technician at Fort Myers, Virginia. He moved to Los Angeles, California before returning to New Orleans in 1953. After working for over 30 years in the United States Postal Service, he retired in 1984. Since retirement, Ronald, Sr. and his wife, Gladys, have enjoyed spending time together, watching their family grow and have been actively involved and supportive in their children and grandchildren lives. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 4700 Pineda Street on Friday, August 4th, at 10 AM. Mass to be preceded by visitation at 8:30 AM, and the rosary at 9:30 AM. Interment at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sanctuary Hospice of Passages on Dublin in his name. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.