We celebrate the life of Allan William Mason, who at 78 years old, has passed on too soon surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 56 years, his two sons Allan (Carmen) and David (Shelly) as well as Jeremy Clark who became like a son to him; his four daughters Jennifer (Svein), Connie, Brenda (Tom), and Trisha (Marty); his many grandchildren Kassandra, Brenin, Nicole, Matt, Luke, Dalton, Cosette, Emil, Valere, Caitlyn, Jimmy, Penny, Kieran, Ardyn, Zoe, Zac, Nicole, and RJ; and great-grandchildren Jaxon, Theo, and Westin.

He was known to those who loved him as Mason, Pops, or sometimes just Al. Allan created a legacy through his devotion to his family, faith, and value placed on working hard for an honest day's pay.

In his 78 years, he was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Allan was born in Philadelphia, PA, to John and Josephine Mason as the youngest of five children. Sixty years ago, he met the love of his life, Pat, just after graduating high school. Though she was a few years younger, she hotly pursued him, even by his accounts jumping on the hood of his car so he couldn't get away. They knew this was it, and married a week after her 18th birthday.

Allan continually pushed for a better version of himself and his loved ones. With his father not always present in his youth, he taught himself how to be a man, husband, and father. He always wanted you to learn from his mistakes instead of making your own, and helped those around him who struggled. Although he was a bit introverted, once he opened up with you, he was quick with a joke with a sparkle in his eyes that was contagious, and told stories of a life well lived. Allan was loyal and loved fiercely. He spent summer weekend days at the shore with his young family of eight, always ready to take his kids out into the waves. He was an avid sports fan and player and could always be caught talking about a recent game he watched or played. Allan was also content to keep it low key, with a game of cards with family after dinner or finding local diners on long Sunday drives with his wife.

Allan's mother Josephine instilled a strong faith in him at a young age that continued to grow throughout his life and sought to do the same for his kids. Without fail, he trusted in God when times were hard and continuously sought to follow God's direction, knowing he'd experienced God's blessings and grace along the way. Whenever he interacted with others, he always felt more fulfilled by their stories of faith than anything else.

At the age of 21, Allan started AM Fence Co with a simple goal, to support his wife and children and never quit. He honed skills learned from his brother, and worked tirelessly in all kinds of weather. He never hesitated to take on extra jobs, including early morning newspaper delivery to make ends meet for his family. He refused to overcharge people to make an extra buck, even if that extra buck could have been for the less busy winter months. He even had local fence companies call him to raise his prices as they couldn't compete, but he looked at every person through the lens of the golden rule, including his customers: Treat others as you'd want to be treated. His customers loved him and referred him easily to others, to the point that he didn't need to advertise for years to stay busy. In times when money was tight because of his steadfast desire to do the right thing by his customers and workers, God always blessed his efforts and attitude to supply what was needed. He retired, this year, ready to pass the business on to his son, David, who began working with him at the age of 14.

At a quick glance, his legacy and efforts could easily be overlooked but what mattered most to him was to raise children who were good, productive, and faith-filled people that would contribute to the world. Allan's legacy impacts more than a generation in his children, that already carries on into his grandchildren, and no doubt will continue in those they interact with.

A memorial will be held on Friday, February 18th at 10 AM at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish 1421 New Road Northfield, NJ with a mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11 AM. A private burial service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital or privately shared with his wife.