Paul J. Mason, of Chevy Chase, Md., passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026 after a life marked by intellectual achievement, community leadership, deep personal relationships, and a profound love of the arts. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Sept. 16, 1932, Paul carried with him throughout his life the curiosity, energy, and warmth that endeared him to family, friends, colleagues, and countless members of the communities he served.

A highly respected attorney whose career spanned more than six decades, Paul developed extensive expertise in securities regulation, investment management, mutual funds, insurance law, and financial services regulation. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College, earned an M.A. in American History at Harvard University, and received his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School.

Throughout his distinguished career, he served in significant legal and regulatory positions, including roles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and leadership positions within the insurance and financial-services industries. He was a longtime partner at the law firm Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, where he also served as managing partner. In all aspects of his career, he was known for his sharp intellect, sound judgment, and unwavering integrity.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul devoted himself to strengthening the civic, cultural, and religious institutions that enriched the Washington community. He served as President of Washington Hebrew Congregation, providing thoughtful leadership to one of the nation’s oldest and most influential Jewish congregations. He also served on the boards of Olney Theater, Round House Theatre and Theater J, combining his commitment to community service with his lifelong passion for the performing arts.

Theater, books, and movies were among Paul’s greatest joys. He was an avid reader, an enthusiastic theatergoer, and a lover of film who relished thoughtful conversation about the stories, ideas, and characters that moved him. He believed deeply in the power of the arts to inspire, challenge, and bring people together.

Most of all, Paul was a people person. He loved meeting new people, maintaining lifelong friendships, and engaging in lively conversations with everyone he encountered. Whether at a community event, in a theater lobby, around a dinner table, or simply chatting with a stranger, Paul had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and heard. His warmth, humor, curiosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Above all, Paul cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Zena Mason; his children, Miles Mason (Lara Johnson), Stacy Mason (Tod Cohen), and Robert Mason; and his treasured grandchildren, Max Cohen, Eliza Cohen, Gabriel Cohen, Liam Mason, and Beckx Mason. His family was the source of his greatest pride and joy, and he delighted in their accomplishments and in the time they shared together.

Paul’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the community institutions he helped lead, the arts organizations he supported, and the many friendships he cultivated over a rich and meaningful life. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, generosity of spirit, and enduring belief in the importance of community, culture, and human connection.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St., Washington, D.C, followed by burial at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg, Md. Memorial contributions can be made to the Zena Mason Early Education Fund at Washington Hebrew Congregation and Theater J at the DCJCC .

All services are entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care.