Alton W. Mason

June 12, 2012

CAPE VINCENT, N.Y.  —  Alton W. Mason, 98, Cape Vincent, passed away Tuesday, June 12, at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home, Watertown.

Born July 10, 1913, in Cape Vincent, the son of William and Francis Zimmerman Mason, he graduated from Cape Vincent schools. 

He married M. Lillian Yott on May 17, 1941, at St. Vincent of Paul Church, Cape Vincent, with Father Thomas Owens, officiating. 

Mr. Mason worked for a short while for New York Air Brake, Watertown, before the couple bought a farm on Stony Point Road in 1952. The couple sold the farm in 1977 and moved to the village.

Alton also worked for the late J.B. Newton at Deer-Lick Farms and was poultry Manager for 8 years. He was a town councilman and village justice for the Town of Cape Vincent for 20 years.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rosiere Council # 2148, for many years and a communicant of St. Vincent of Paul Church. Alton was active in many duties around the village, including being Balloon Man for the French Festival and was named Cape Vincent Citizen of the Year in 1999. 

Alton enjoyed farming gardening and helping others.

Surviving are his wife, Lillian, Watertown; several nieces and nephews. 

Two sisters, Reba Yott and Mary Pirano, and three brothers, Carl, Frances and Richard, all died before him.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 14, at St. Vincent of Paul Church, Cape Vincent, with Fr. Vincent Freeh officiating. Burial will be in St. Vincent of Paul Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at Cleveland Funeral Home, Cape Vincent.

Donations may be given in his memory to Cape Vincent Ambulance Fund, Cape Vincent.

Information provided by Cleveland Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.