Francis Gage Mason, Former Westporter, Army Veteran, Died

Francis Gage Mason of Groton Long Point, CT. passed away peacefully at home with family by his side February 13th, 2023. Born in Paris in 1928, Frank grew up in Westport, CT. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1950; and was promptly drafted into the Army. He served at Fort Dix, NJ, where he taught radio communications and repair to troops deploying to Korea.

He married Phebe George of Mystic, CT in 1951. He and Phebe built a house in Weston, CT, where they raised their children, Catherine and Christopher. He started his own electronics company when the children were young and employed one other engineer. Over the years, Mason Engineering, Inc. grew, eventually employing as many as thirty people. Frank designed and manufactured sophisticated audio countermeasures equipment for the U.S. and its allies. After buying a shore cottage at Groton Long Point in 1969 he and the family spent summers at the beach, cruising his sloop near and far.

After his retirement and upon the death of Phebe in 1992, Frank continued his lifelong love of sailing the New England coast. He found a kindred spirit in Cynthia Buffinton, a longtime Westport resident. The two were happily married for twenty-six years, sailing and traveling the world together. Their primary residence was "Spindrift" at Groton Long Point, but also shared a nearby home at Mystic Run and spent every winter in Florida at Sanibel Island. Throughout the years, generations of family members and friends met for holidays, birthdays and soirees at Spindrift.

After Cynthia passed away in 2020, Frank remained at the Point and continued many of his interests, including his painting and photography. Under the umbrella of Spindrift Arts, he exhibited his work at the Mystic Art Museum, the Noank Historical Society, Noah's restaurant in Stonington Borough, The Big Arts Gallery in Sanibel, Florida and the Groton Long Point Arts and Crafts Show.

He is deeply missed by his family and many friends in the community. Anyone wishing to express tributes and condolences is encouraged to post them on Legacy.com

Published by Westport-News on Mar. 22, 2023.