Howard A. Mason

Howard A. Mason, age 93, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Howard was the son of Howard and Nellie Mason, and brother to Patricia Lundquist. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and graduated from Youngstown State University in 1954 with a degree in Business. He went on to build a successful career with Bethlehem Steel, Otis Elevator, Highland Pizza (owner and operator) and Koppers Company, where he retired as District Manager after many years of dedicated service. He was known by colleagues and friends for his professionalism, leadership, and strong work ethic.

In June 1958, Howard married the love of his life, Carol Dailey. Together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, friendship, and countless cherished memories. They began their married life in Youngstown, Ohio, later moving to Medina, Ohio, and eventually settling in Wheaton, Illinois, in 1973.

Howard especially enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, boating, fishing, winemaking, and traveling. During retirement, he spent summers at his beloved cottage on Lake Michigan and winters in Florida. He loved socializing with his friends at Bonita Beach Club and served as President of the Sheridan Beach Homeowners Association in Michigan City, Indiana. He was also the founder of the Aberdeen Men’s Breakfast Club. These years brought him great happiness and created many treasured memories with family and friends.

Above all, Howard was devoted to his family. He took immense pride in his four sons and eleven grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to be with them. He instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in his sons from a young age, opening up many opportunities for them as they grew. Whether boating on Lake Michigan, sharing stories at family gatherings, golfing with friends, or traveling with Carol, Howard’s greatest joy came from the people he loved. He will be remembered for his integrity, quiet strength, generosity, sense of humor, and the steady guidance he provided throughout his life.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his sons Howard (Michelle), Doug (Heather), Rick (Sharon), and Chris (Kerri); his grandchildren Patrick, Will, Michael, Nicole, David, Rick, Andrew, Jonathan (Savannah), Tim, Cody, and Alex. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Nellie Mason.

Howard's legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the example he set through a lifetime of hard work, devotion, kindness, and enduring commitment to those around him. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A celebration of Howard's life will begin with a visitation on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family invites relatives and friends to join them on Friday, August 21, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, 604 N Raynor Ave, Joliet, IL 60435, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Wheaton, IL at a later date.