Remembering Fred Mason Jr.

Words: Justin Stengel

In February, the masonry industry was struck with the news of the passing of Fred Mason Jr, a well renowned masonry instructor at Columbus Career & College Academy and a person loved by everyone around him. Referred to by many as a top-tier instructor, Fred Mason Jr. leaves behind an amazing legacy in both masonry and education.

Known for his dedication to teaching the next generation of masons since 2012, Fred’s students have always had nothing but incredible things to say about him. His supporting and successful career as an instructor has led to many of his students competing in and winning numerous competitions within the industry. And it wasn’t just his students who Fred had an impact on, it’s many other instructors who knew Fred who aspired to be the kind of educator, and man, that he was.

 

Beyond his teaching, Fred had many hidden talents. He was a spotter for a race car team, and his driver won a championship last season. Fred was also a lifelong volunteer at his local fire department. His heart for service and his generosity were remarkable, making him truly special. His enthusiasm for giving back was contagious, and everyone who met Fred felt uplifted.

Fred had a way of making you feel appreciated, always thanking others for their contributions, yet it was he who deserved the gratitude. Everyone left Fred's presence feeling better about themselves, that’s just the kind of man he was. Fred's positivity was unwavering, in victory and defeat. Many had the opportunity to learn not only masonry, but life lessons from him as well. His approach to life taught us about the importance of a positive attitude and the impact of giving.

  

Fred's commitment to his students was extraordinary. He would leave at 4 AM to get them to an 8 AM contest without an ounce of complaint. His dedication to involving his students in every opportunity was inspiring, even without extra compensation. That didn’t matter to him, the satisfaction of seeing his students succeed was his reward.

Losing Fred was a shock to his town, Boardman, NC, his students, fellow instructors, and the masonry industry as a whole. His legacy is a call to action for all of us to strive to be like him, to hold his honor, and to continue his work in preparing the next generation for success in the industry.

 





About: News and Events
Smarter Time Tracking on the Jobsite: Introducing Geofence Notifications and Logging in CrewTracks
April 2026

For masonry contractors, time tracking is more than just a payroll task; it’s a key part of managing crews, understanding job costs, and keeping projects running smoothly. Yet many companies still struggle with one common challenge: making sure employees

Erin Koets
MAP Partner
Read More
Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More