Salisbury- Richard Mason, 74, of Salisbury, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Perry Point Veterans Medical Center. He was born December 29, 1936 in Mt. Vernon, Maryland a son of the late John Kelly and Irma Virginia Mason. Richard proudly served his country in the US Army from 1961-1963. He earned his Master's License as a tugboat captain from the Tidewater School of Navigation. He also graduated from Navy Fire School in New Jersey and the West Point Maritime Academy in Newport, Rhode Island. He loved his work on the water as a tugboat captain and 1st mate and served as a merchant seaman for 42 years. He was a very proud member of the Seafarer's International Union since 1958. One of the many highlights of his career was receiving a letter of commendation from the US Coast Guard for his efforts in guiding Coast Guard team in the Chesapeake Bay to locate and rescue two stranded boaters. Richard was also a long time member of Fruitland Christian Church. He loved his birds and enjoyed bird watching with his late wife, Geraldine. His love for the Ford Motor Company led to many enjoyable years of fixing and restoring cars. He is survived by a son, Scott P. Mason and his wife Kim of Salisbury; a grandson, Caleb Mason; a brother, Robert Mason and his wife Peggy of Fruitland; two sisters, Janet Cook and her husband Ted of Fruitland, and Mary Anna Wallace of Salisbury; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Geraldine P. Mason; and his grandparents, George Mason and Mary Anna Scott. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street in Delmar on Sunday, February 20, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday, February 21, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Shawn Short, minister will officiate. Entombment with military honors will follow in Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Perry Point VA Medical Center, c/o Hospice, Building 23H, Perryville, MD 21093. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar.