The life of Mason Albano honored at Pause 4 Paws

Courtesy of Logan Winsor

By Avery Slavin Asst. News Editor Friends and family of Mason Albano joined the FSU community on April 2 for the Pause 4 Paws event held in honor of his life. Mason, a first-generation business management student, passed away on March 21. He was 20 years old. To honor his interest in canine rescue, a comfort dog event with K-9 Ramsey and friends was held in the McCarthy Forum. From Upton to Greenfield, police departments from across Massachusetts brought their K-9 companions to bring comfort to the FSU community. In addition to being able to spend time with the comfort dogs, attendees could watch a presentation of slides played on the screen in the front of the room. One slide included a compilation of photos of Mason and his own dog, Ruby Basil. Mason is remembered as someone who could light up any room he walked into. Melissa Farrell, known as Aunt Missy to Mason, said even though he was quiet, he was attentive, always noticing “the world and the people in it.” Farrell, who was incredibly close to Mason, eulogized him at his funeral. In the eulogy, she said his kindness left a big impact on the people around him, and he “carried a gentleness that made people feel safe and calm.” People who knew Mason also describe him as funny. Farrell refers to him as the “family comedian.” Sophomore Cooper Lacina, a close friend and suitemate of Mason’s, said, “He always had a small circle of people he would let into his life, and I'm honored that I was one of those lucky few. He was the most loyal friend I’ve ever had. I knew he would have stood up for any of us 100-to-1 if he had to. We miss him dearly.” Farrell said she learned a lot about Mason from his friends, and they shared with her he had said to them he was “the CEO of his own life. “He dragged his friends on countless adventures, and they all knew never to wear their good sneakers, and that wherever they were headed was at least a mile walk deep into the woods,” she said. Another friend and suitemate of Mason’s, sophomore Caleb Ingelido, said he was a “truly unique person. He had a one-of-a-kind presence that can never be replaced, and he will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.” Farrell said he was determined, wise beyond his years, and always had an answer for everything. “Mason had dreams. He was going to do so much - be so much. He was already enough. He just didn’t know it,” she said. Junior Logan Winsor, another friend of his, said, “You’ll never find someone like Mason. He had an incredible vibe about him that always got you to smile. “Even when he was quiet, you’d always know he was there - whether he was making some silly comment or just messing with all of us. He was always the life of the party.” Farrell said she wants everyone to honor Mason by “loving louder. Be kinder. Find joy in the simple things. Slow down and soak in the beauty of nature. Say his name. We must move forward together, but we will never move on from Mason.”