Alan Clifton Mason, age 75, of Gouverneur, New York passed away on December 28, 2023, at home.
Alan was born on December 6, 1948, to the late Clifton E. and Marion E. (Hewitt) Mason who he loved dearly. His parents taught him the importance of dedication and hard work. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1967 and then went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1971. Upon graduation he was accepted into the Officer’s Candidate School, achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was fortunate enough to be assigned to Fort Drum, close to family, and was soon promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Alan served as the Services Officer in the Logistics Directorate. He left the Army in 1976 and accepted a position as a Customs Inspector with the U.S. Customs and was eventually promoted to Supervisor. He worked in both Ogdensburg and Alexandria Bay until his retirement.
As a young man, Alan was determined to be independent and work diligently for everything he had earned. He spent much of the summer months as a farm hand for Madeline and Gordon Williams, worked at the Gralyn Theater, delivered milk for Elmer Drummond, and worked in construction as a laborer at St. Joe Minerals during college.
Alan was an avid sports fan. While in the Army, he enjoyed playing in the men’s softball league with his brother, Arnold. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the New York Yankees. You could say it was a family tradition. He attended many MLB games at different stadiums across the country with family and friends over the years. Alan was a part of a bowling league in Gouverneur with his brother, Andy. Alan enjoyed boating and fishing and later went on to coach his son’s T-Ball team. He loved dancing, recording playlists on cassettes and CDs and any music in general. Music spoke to him like nothing else. His favorites were anything Elvis.
Alan married Joan Wight on November 18, 2006, at the Gouverneur Methodist Church. Over the years, his favorite role was that of a grandparent and doting father. Alan and Joan dedicated much of their time traveling to go see their nine grandchildren. Family was Alan’s pride and joy. He cherished every moment he had with each one of them.
His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Mason, his children, Kristi (John) Allardyce, Kari (Mike) Lacy, Mathew (Sydney) Mason, Melissa (Daniel) Bishop, and Jonathan (Laura) Wight, 9 grandchildren, Addison, Kate, Cohen, Quinn, Landon, Colby, Alex, Braven, and Emberlin, and his siblings, Alice Malec, Arnold (Joan) Mason, Andrew (Debbie) Mason, and Amy (Gary) Pilon.
Alan is predeceased by his parents and a brother-in-law, Joseph Malec.
Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with his funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in East Riverside Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Donations in memory of Alan may be made to the Gouverneur Fire Department, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur NY 13642 or Ryan’s Wish Foundation, PO Box 326, Gouverneur NY 13642.