Rafael Sebastian Mason, Sr., known to many as “Rat,” “Mason,” and “Top Flight,” passed away on August 15, 2026, at the age of 63. Born May 23, 1963, in Bethesda, Maryland, Rafael was the seventh son of the late Douglas Mason, Sr. and Estella Mae Mason.

Rafael was full of life, energy, and humor. He had a larger-than-life personality and a way of making people laugh wherever he went. He loved to dance, joke around, work hard, and was almost always seen with a toothpick in his mouth. He was unapologetically himself, and that is exactly how people will remember him.

A graduate of Richard Montgomery High School, Rafael was a three-sport athlete who played baseball, football, and basketball. He proudly served in the United States Army and later worked as a security officer. He enjoyed baseball, softball, football, working out at the gym, kicking it with his friends, and eating crabs that he didn’t have to peel.

Rafael is survived by his mother, Estella Mae Mason (“Stella”); his children, Rafael S. Mason, Jr., Ian Mason (Sophia), Shawna Payne (Keith Jr.), Damitri Mason, Deion Mason, and Dejah Taylor (Nathan); his grandchildren, Kimani Butler, Joel Mason, Sean Mason, Aria Mason, Madison Payne, Kyle Mason, Keith Payne III, Zane Payne, Kaliah Murray, and Seth Payne; and his siblings, George Hairston, Jr., Terri Hairston, Antoine Hairston, Sebrina Neal (Gregory), Randy Mason (Paula), Marcello Brown (Johnnie), Douglas Mason, Jr., and Pernell Mason (Sylvia). He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Mason, Sr., brother, Kirk Mason, and sister, Catherine Brunner.

Rafael will be remembered for his laughter, his energy, his humor, and the joy he brought wherever he went. He knew how to have a good time, make people laugh, and leave a lasting impression. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, family, friends, military buddies, and everyone lucky enough to have known him.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland. Following the service, he will be laid to rest with military honors at Crownsville State Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland.