Dean George Mason

Dean George Mason, age 94, a longtime resident of Sarasota, Florida, most recently at The Sarasota Bay Club, departed peacefully on August 6, 2016, in Sarasota. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 17, 1922, the sixth of eight children born to George and Helen Manesiotis. Dean attended University of Pittsburgh before serving in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, where he attained the rank of Master Sergeant. After the war, he became president of a family business, Real Pie Bakers, Inc., the beginning of a long and successful career in business. During his career, he was Vice President of the Institutional Division of Sara Lee, Inc., for several years before being offered the presidency of a subsidiary company, Coastal Foods. Subsequently he went on to become the CEO of Commonwealth Marketing, Inc., in Bryn Mawr, PA. Dean was praised as an incisive, intelligent leader, a perceptive manager, and an inspiring mentor who thought carefully about the lives of his colleagues and employees. He married Catherine Caloyer in 1947, and they enjoyed a happy marriage for 55 years, until her death in 2002. In addition to a rich family life, including three children, they were active in the national AHEPA organization, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall, PA, where Dean often served as President of the Parish Council and held leadership positions on other key committees. He was Chairman of the Building Committee for St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, in Sarasota, and shepherded the building of a new church there. Dean's legendary attention to detail is evident in the beauty of the church, its community buildings, and its grounds. Dean was active in his community in other ways, as well, as he believed in giving back to his community. He served on several boards and commissions for the development of Sarasota, including as a member of the Planning Board, Chairman of the Downtown Association, and President of the Board of Directors at Doctors Hospital. He was also an elected City Commissioner and was instrumental in the growth of the downtown area of Sarasota, as well as the establishment of several city parks. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Peter Dean Mason and Robin Clair Mason of Sarasota, FL, Joy Manesiotis and Christopher Beach of Redlands, CA, and Elaine Mason Hay and David Hay of New Paltz, NY; two brothers, Peter Manners and Angelo Manesiotis; four grandchildren: Aleena, Colin, Christopher, and Zoë; and close friend, Barbara Day, in addition to a host of extended family and friends around the world. Services will be held at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL, on Saturday, 13 August, 2016. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., with funeral services at 11:00 a.m., followed by an internment at Sarasota Memorial Park. The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made in Dean's memory to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church or to the charity of your choice. May his memory be eternal.

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Dean George Mason

February 17, 1922 - August 6, 2016