LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of legendary Brooklyn communi-
ty leader Dr. Marco Mason

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay proper tribute
to individuals of great character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity; and
WHEREAS, It is feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body
mourns the death of legendary Brooklyn community leader Dr. Marco Mason,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Marco Mason of Brooklyn, New York, died on March 7, 2011,
at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, The only son of Erlean Mason and Claude Mason, Dr. Marco
Mason was born on September 12, 1943, in the Panama Canal Zone where he
was raised in a home with five sisters; and
WHEREAS, It was in Panama Dr. Marco Mason developed a passion for
education and the appreciation for social justice; when he came to New
York City in the 1960s with his family, he aggressively seized every
chance to attain some of the highest levels of academic and professional
certification and achievement; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Marco Mason distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Earning his doctorate in social welfare from the City Univer-
sity of New York, Dr. Marco Mason became a college professor, teaching
at St. Joseph's College, Medgar Evers College, and at the State Univer-
sity of New York at Stony Brook; and
WHEREAS, In the 1980s, Dr. Marco Mason became a co-founder of the
Caribbean Women's Health Association and eventually rose to become its
Chief Executive Officer; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Marco Mason's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Passionate about public health, human rights, social justice,
immigration, education, and international affairs, Dr. Marco Mason
served as an invaluable adviser to numerous organizations and businesses
and was the first Vice Chairman of Brooklyn's Community Board Nine;
furthermore, he was a recipient of more than 150 awards, honors and
citations; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Marco Mason is survived by his wife, Cynthia; their two
children, Dr. Nadya Mason and Dr. Addis Mason; his three sisters, Dr.
Claudette Mason, Angela Mason-Newton, and Dr. Yvonne Mason; his grand-
children; as well as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Dr. Marco Mason's life was
a portrait of service, a legacy which will long endure the passage of
time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and
befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of legendary community leader Dr. Marco Mason; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Dr. Marco Mason.