Mason F. McCreary Jr.

Mason F. McCreary Jr. 87, of East Freedom, passed away on April 29, 2026, at UPMC Altoona. He was born December 1, 1938, in Portage, son of the late Mason F. Sr. and Anna C. (Ocelnik) McCreary. He married Nancy A. Diehl on January 2,1960 in Newry. 

Surviving is his wife Nancy, daughters Beth A. McCreary M.S.,M.S.W. of Huntingdon, and Nannette C. McCreary (Kevin Lynn) of East Freedom, sons Mason F. McCreary III (Becky Patz) of East Freedom, Michael S. McCreary of Newport, and son-in-law Dennis E. Conley of East Freedom. Also surviving are grandchildren Douglas Conley, Lucas (Stacey) Conley, Cynthia (Jarred) Dively, Sasha McCreary-Smith, Dorian McCreary, Marc McCreary, and great grandchildren; Kenneth Smith, Blaine, Davin, Kort, Jada, Holden, Mason and Parker Conley, Dominic, Paige and Charlie McCreary.   

He was preceded in death by a daughter Angela L. Conley and siblings: sisters, Judith A. Leap, LaVerne B. Gossard, Madalyn J. Kick and infant sister Virginia McCreary, and a half brother Valentine Ocelnik. 

Mason was a 1956 graduate of Portage High School. 

Our Dad, Mason worked in Cleveland Ohio at Merchant Motor Freight and was proud to send funds home to help his parents and siblings. He owned a pool hall and gas station in East Freedom. After starting his own family, he was employed as a Milkman and an Owner/Operator of a Benzel Pretzel Delivery Route for many years.  His wife and kids always had an endless supply of chips and pretzels to enjoy. Later he then pursued a career as a Real Estate Salesman and was very proud of his accomplishments as a well-respected Real Estate Appraiser for Century 21 Zane Helsel Real Estate.  

Mason enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing sports. He was once offered an opportunity to try out for a Major League Team as a power hitting catcher. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed reading sports statistics in the newspaper and watching the Steelers and other sports on television. He enjoyed bowling and excelled in it.  Once married he and his wife bowled in a mixed league for many years. He enjoyed attending World Tavern Poker Events and did very well playing Texas Hold’em Cards. He enjoyed conversations with people, talking sports, investing money, real estate and many other topics.   

Our Dad always looked fabulous in dress shirts and pants. Of all the things that Mason did and excelled in over the course of his lifetime he was most proud of his marriage, 5 children and son-in-law, Denny. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and their pets. He always fondly remembered his red bone coon hound “Jack” .
Mason excelled in everything he did and will be remembered most for his entrepreneurship, helpful advice and ingenious mind.  

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the Harry E. Miller Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 810 Bedford Street, Claysburg., and again on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until the 1:00 P.M. funeral service with David Poole C.L.M. officiating.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a local Dog and Cat Rescue of your choice.  

Interment will be at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Portage.

Arrangements by Harry E. Miller Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 810 Bedford Street, Claysburg. 

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