Richard A. Hassell

June 23, 1931 – April 20, 2013

      Richard A. Hassell passed away peacefully Saturday, April 20th at Island Health & Rehab on Bainbridge Island. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 23, 1931 to Edwin and Helen Hassell. He was the middle child of five with an older brother and sister and two younger brothers.

      He attended Our Lady of Angels Catholic School in Brooklyn and Mount Assumption Institute in Plattsburg, New York. He also attended St. Johns University in New York.

      He worked a majority of his life in New York City in the advertising business. Most notably at McCaffery and McCall as an executive vice president of the traffic department.

      Dick enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War. Serving on the front lines as a Hospital Corpsman assigned to Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. During his time in combat he earned the Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart and several other awards.

      Dick enjoyed sports and a good whodunit mystery. But since arriving on Bainbridge Island in 1996 his true love was the church. His presence could be found in every facet of St. Cecilia’s. He especially loved the children and teaching. Dick was elected the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus a noble and charitable organization that supports many worthy causes.

      Dick was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Helen; brothers Eddy and Bernie; and several relatives. He is survived by his brother Larry and sister Bernadette, sons Jeffrey and Garth and daughter in-law Kelly and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

      A funeral mass was held on April 30th at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Bainbridge Island, WA.

      In lieu of flowers it is asked that donations be made in his name to the Northwest Fisher House at www.fisherhousevaps.org/donate.asp.

TRIBUTE Paid Notice