Longtime Babylon Village resident and teacher Gordon Andrew Mason died in Hallandale, Florida after a long illness on August 6, 2008. He was 46.

Born and raised in Babylon Village, he graduated from St. Joseph's and Babylon High School, where he was the salutatorian. After graduating Stony Brook University, he worked for Eastern Suffolk BOCES as an English as a Second Language teacher. In the evenings after work he volunteered teaching English to the immigrant parents of his students and helped them obtain their citizenship papers.

"Gordon enjoyed life and will be missed by his family and friends throughout the world," said his mother, Barbara Grell, who added that he spoke many languages and loved to travel the world, especially by train.

In addition to his mother, he leaves behind his brothers, Christopher and his wife Susan of Brooklyn, and Gregory and his wife Pamela of Babylon. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Russell, and his stepfather Einar Grell.

Mr. Mason reposed at the Fredrick J. Chapey Funeral Home, West Islip, on Aug. 10, 2008. A fFuneral Mass was said on Aug. 11, 2008 at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Babylon. Interment followed in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Babylon.

Donations in Mr. Gordon's name can be sent to Hospice by the Sea Care Center, 1531 Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton FL 33433.