SAMUEL MASON DAY, III, passed away peacefully at his home in Clearwater, FL, on April 22, 2025, after an extended illness. He was born in Jacksonville, FL, on October 21, 1950, at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and was reared there graduating from Forest High School (now Westside) in 1969, where he lettered in football, tennis and cross country. Upon graduation, he and good friend Sam “Buck” Baker joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the “Viet Nam Rush” that allowed for two-year enlistments instead of the traditional three or four years. He had stints at Parris Island, Guantanamo Bay and Camp Lejeune before being honorably discharged.
Mason attended Santa Fe Junior College in Gainesville, FL., and rode his bicycle thirty miles to classes from his rental lake house in Keystone Heights. He then worked for a family decorating business in South Dade County, FL (Long’s Home Interiors), performing carpentry, roofing, delivery and installation.
After years of struggling with psychotropic substance dependence, Mason welcomed the assistance of his Aunt Carolyn Day Pfohl, numerous friends and Narcotics Anonymous to become clean. He returned to college in York, PA, and completed a B.S. degree in Psychology from York College in December 1982.
Mason subsequently married Joy Crawford and shared thirty-five years together in Pennsylvania and Maryland. They participated in numerous running and cycling events throughout the area, especially triathlons, until sidelined by a mountain biking injury that led to recurrent surgical procedures on his back.
Professionally, Mason was drawn to counseling, especially with addicts, and retired after a thirty-plus-year career in addiction treatment services. Retirement afforded him the opportunity to vigorously pursue hobbies in antiques and investments.
Due to chronic health problems and a need for a warmer climate, and to accompany friends from MD and PA, Mason relocated to Clearwater, FL, in 2017.
Mason was able to abstain from all mind-altering, mood-changing substances for forty-four years and credits this to active participation in Narcotics Anonymous. He deeply loved many of his compatriots in the organization. Mason often referred to his life as “My joyous imperfect existence.”
Mason is predeceased by his father and mother, Samuel Mason Day, Jr., and Hazel Margaret Chitty Day, and survived by his siblings, Margaret Day Julian, Arthur L. Day (Kande) and William Dekle Day (Elisabeth), and five nieces and one nephew, two great-nephews and numerous cousins. The family is deeply grateful for the care provided by Suncoast/Empath Hospice over the past year, esp. Sandy, and his close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NA chapters in Clearwater or Baltimore.
Deepest condolences from the family here at Bugtussle. While I didn’t have the opportunity to meet and spend time with Mason I know, like the rest of the family, I would have enjoyed his company. Rest in peace and Semper Fi!
Sweet Mason- your struggles are gone and now may you rest in eternal peace. I know your family is mourning you no longer being here , especially Harsh. Love to all your family v
I first met Mason in the first grade at Ortega Elementary School in Jacksonville where we became fast friends. He is the strongest willed, most dependable and honest person I’ve ever known. So sad that he’s no longer with us, but happy to know he’s now in a better place. Rest in peace my old friend.
He was a good lad. The noon meeting will never be the same. He helped me a lot!