Robert Lee Mason Jr.

Robert Lee Mason Jr., known to family as Uncle Bobby and friends as Bob, was born June 6, 1950, in Dayton, Ohio to Robert Lee Mason Sr. and Thelma Gist Mason.  On Sunday September 29, 2024, at the age of 74, he transitioned into God’s and his mom’s loving arms.

Bob was a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church – in person and then virtually after his health began to fail.  While physically capable, Bob supported the men’s ministry, drove the church van thereby transporting members who needed transportation to and from services, assisted in maintaining the church property, and proudly supporting any request made by his beloved pastor Rev. Sam Winston, Jr.  His infectious personality quickly earned him the reputation of the “suave” bus driver.

Bob was a proud graduate of Dunbar High School class of 1968 from which he earned a football scholarship to the University of Dayton.  In 1972, he graduated from UD with a bachelor’s degree in social work.  While at UD, Bob became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity on November 20, 1970 and acquired a lifelong cadre of fraternity brothers. Bob was the first Kappa Alpha Psi member to graduate from the University of Dayton.

Professionally, Bob functioned as the Plant Manager for Crown Cork & Seal where he managed manufacturing plants in Mankato, Minnesota and Houston, Texas prior to moving back home to provide leadership to the Dayton, Ohio facility.  He retired from Crown Cork & Seal on April 8, 2016 after 30+ years of progressively responsible and successful service.

In addition to playing football, Bob loved to play chess. He spent innumerable hours playing with his late-in-life chess playing friend, Everon Caldwell.

Although Bob’s parents, Robert and Thelma Mason, preceded him in death, his personal life was blessed because of a 30+ year relationship with the love of his life, Alichia Varisco. In addition to Alichia being his life-partner, she became a devoted caregiver once Bob’s illness consumed him. Bob’s siblings, Donald (Kimberly), Carol and Greg Mason confer our everlasting love, appreciation and thanks to Alichia for the way in which she loved and cared for our brother.

In addition to Alichia and his aforementioned siblings, Bob leaves to cherish his memory his 2 children, Robert D (Teyawna) Mason and Shenee (Anna Marie) Mason-Johnson, plus 4 bonus daughters, Danyel (Omari) Gibson, Rosheena Stephenson, Tamarr Varisco and Navi McSwain; 4 grandchildren; 4 bonus grandchildren; his best friend ever, Vivian (Woody) Stevens and his faithful dog BRUTUS, a myriad of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

Bob fought a good fight and has finally won his great reward, to be present with the Lord!!

Funeral service 11 am Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 3375 W. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH. Private Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity service. Visitation 10 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment Woodland Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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