Robert R. “Bob” Mason

Robert R. Mason, son of Charlie O. and Violet A. Spruill-Mason was born in Bath, North Carolina on April 3, 1936. He resided there until graduating from Bath High School in June 1954.

After graduating from Bath High School, Bob joined the United States Navy where he served his tour of duty aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Coral Sea. Upon discharge from the Navy, he was employed by the Norfolk and Western Railroad in Norfolk, VA until January 1958. He then moved to Wilmington, DE and enrolled in Goldey Beacom College where he received his degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Bob then joined Wilmington Blue Print in 1965 as office manager and became President of Wilmington Blue Print and Audio Visual Arts in 1975.

He was raised a Master Mason in 1974 at St. John’s Lodge No. 2 A.F.& A.M., New Castle, DE. He entered the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Wilmington 1975 and Nur Temple in 1979. He served as Potentate of Nur Temple in 1990. He was a life member of Nur’s Oriental Band, Charter Member of the Highlanders and life member of the Yacht Club, Honorary member Nur Fife and Drum Corp and Legion of Honor. He was a life member of the Shrine Club of Delaware, First State Shrine Club, member of the lower Delaware Shrine Club and the Gold Coast Shrine Coast Shrine Club in Deerfield Beach Florida, member and Past Director Delaware Court #164, Royal Order of Jesters, Past Associate Bethel Guardian Job’s Daughters, Deputy Director General of the Mid-Atlantic Shrine Association 1992-93 and Director General 1995-96 and President in1998. Bob has been a Trustee of Nur Temple since 1991 and was elected to board of Governors for Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia in 1995. He is also a Life Member The American Legion of New Castle. Past President of the International Reprographic Association.

He married the former Evelyn Ann Smilyk in 1958 after a 6-week romance. They had two children, Lisa Warenko (Mark) now living in Joliet, Montana and David (Cheryl) of Wilmington, DE and two grandchildren, Stephanie and David, Jr. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, his brother, Charles (Marie), Sister, Rae (Jim) Schaeffer. He is predeceased by his parents, sister, Emily, his grandchildren, Angelica and Peter, and in 2013 by his wife, Evelyn.

He retired in 2008 and he and his wife Evelyn RVed across the United States and 5 Providences of Canada. He enjoyed travel and after the passing of Evelyn, his traveling was greatly reduced. He spent long walks along the C & D canal with his best friend, a black lab named, Lucy. His favorite activities were reading, watching the boats traverse the canal, bird watching and spending time with family.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:15 am until 10:15 am on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Pky., New Castle, DE, where a Masonic service will begin at 10:15 am, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Hwy., New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, in Bob’s memory, donations may be made to Forgotten Cats, Inc., Suite 422, 4023 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19807 or online by clicking here.