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BR FELIX MASSON FSC MARCH 6, 1919-FEBRUARY 5, 2008
February 07, 2008
BROTHER FELIX Victoris MASSON, FSC (AKA Philip Joseph Masson) was born in San Leandro, CA, on March 6, 1919, and was adopted by Joseph Masson and Phyllis Lynn. He was raised by his paternal grandparents due to the early death of his father and his mother’s return to her mother. He was a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers for 71 years and died at Mont La Salle, Holy Family Community, Napa, California, on February 5, 2008, at 7:05 PM at the age of 88.
Brother Felix began his association with the De La Salle Christian Brothers as a freshman in the Juniorate at Mont La Salle, the high school for young men interested in becoming a Brother. He entered the Novitiate on June 8, 1937, and received the habit of the Brothers of the Christian Schools on August 14, 1937. In October, 1938, at his request and in response to an appeal for volunteers, he was assigned as a missionary to the Philippine Islands, which was the responsibility of the District of San Francisco at that time. His first assignment was to teach in the Grade School at De La Salle University in Manila. This began his commitment to the Filipino people and, except for about 8 years, he spent his entire life as a Brother and an educator in service to his students in the Philippines. Brother did return to the United States to obtain his B.A. from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, in 1947. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the Second World War, he was in a concentration camp in Baguio, PI, where he received his final vows on April 23, 1944. In the Philippines, Brother Felix served as a teacher and counselor in various grade schools and high schools. He also served as principal at four different elementary and high schools. His last position was “Campus Animator” at the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod, PI. He was truly loved by his students and his Brothers. The short video that shows his send-off from the Philippines, for the last time, shows the recognition of a hero. In November 2006 he returned to the San Francisco District and the Holy Family Community at Mont La Salle, Napa, CA, after 62 years of service in the Philippines. His return was due to extensive squamous cell cancer, which was arrested through radiation therapy, but from which he died at Mont La Salle, Holy Family Community on February 5, 2008. He is survived by cousins: Mary Frances Marchetti, San Francisco, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Warren Masson, Santa Rosa, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Bradley McNear, San Raphael, CA; and Sr. Judeth Breslin, Santa Rosa, CA; Jane Wahler, Cazadero, CA; and Rosalie Mahoney , Healdsburg, CA.He is also survived by many friends and former students, mostly in the Philippines. Funeral services will be held at Mont La Salle, Napa, California, on February 8, 2008, in the Mont La Salle Chapel at 9:00 AM with viewing, followed by the funeral liturgy at 10:00 AM and burial in the Mont La Salle cemetery. There will be a luncheon available in the Conference Center Dining Room. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Lasallian Education Fund, De La Salle Institute, 4401 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558. Funeral services provided through Claffey and Rota, Napa.Official Death Notice from Br Arianwen Lopez FSC
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