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Harry F. Mason | Chemist, 89

Harry F. Mason, 89, a retired analytical chemist, died of prostate cancer, Saturday, Sept. 25, at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville.

Harry F. Mason, 89, a retired analytical chemist, died of prostate cancer, Saturday, Sept. 25, at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville.

For 43 years, Mr. Mason was a chemist with Rohm & Haas in Bridesburg. "He was renowned for his technical expertise, intricate computer programs, and clever practical jokes," a colleague, Catherine Hunt, said.

After retiring at the end of 1991, Mr. Mason served as an auditor for Hilltown Township.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Mr. Mason earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Hiram College in Ohio. From 1946 to 1947, he served in the Army in a series of assignments, including with the Signal Corps Engineering Laboratory at Fort Monmouth, N.J.

Mr. Mason was an amateur radio operator and enjoyed photography and studying theology. His father was a Protestant minister, and after marrying Olga Yutuschuk, Mr. Mason became interested in Eastern religions. He and his wife, a singer, dancer, and translator, met at a Russian New Year's Eve Ball in Philadelphia. They were married for 56 years when she died in 1998.

Mr. Mason is survived by a cousin, Ralph Wurmser.

A viewing will be held at 6 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at St. Philip Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1970 Clearview Rd., Souderton.

A second viewing will be at 9:30 a.m. followed by a requiem service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Church, 817 N. 7th St., Philadelphia. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Philadelphia.