Roland Sterling Mason

UntitledRoland Sterling MasonRoland was born July 24, 1942 to Mervyn and Nancy Mason in San Jose, CA and raised in the Tri-Valley Cannery area of Northern San Jose. Roland left to be with his parents November 25, 2006 after a long illness. He attended Grant Grammar School and San Jose High School. As a teenager, he worked for San Jose's Parks and Recreation Department as a playground supervisor at Backesto Park to earn money for college. Roland put himself through San Jose City College and earned a degree in Police Science where upon he became a member of the San Jose Police Department. His career in law enforcement was cut short by a disabling injury which abruptly ended his career.Despite the adversities life dealt him, Roland never gave up. With sheer strength of will and determination, he overcame every problem or obstacle that came his way. He was patriarch to his family: counseling, guiding and assisting them in their times of need. They could always rely on him. Family was always important to him and he extended that sense of family to his friends as well. He served his country, his community and his family to the fullest and should be recognized as a very special person in every way.Roland is survived by his son Jonathan; stepsons Robert and Tony; brothers Dennis, Mervyn and Bill; nieces Lisa, Nancy K., Nancy C. and Teresa; nephews Dean, Mark, William and James, as well as many grand nieces and nephews and step grandsons. He is a hard act to follow... The family would like to extend a very special thank you and acknowledge Clarence Shannon, Roland's close life-long friend.Visitation will be held at CHAPEL OF FLOWERS FUNERAL HOME Wednesday, November 29, 2006 from 2 - 9 p.m.The Family requests donations in lieu of flowers to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society.