Patrick Hassett

Quite simply put, your character is who you really are when no one is looking. Patrick Hassett was a man of exemplary character who focused much of his life’s work on serving others within his community no matter where he called home. Pat diligently performed his duties out of care and concern for others, even revealing that he would have worked just as hard for free. Although his work was important to him, Pat’s true passion was for the relationships he shared with his family and friends. He treated his children with patience and respect leaving behind a rich legacy that is easy to admire.

All eyes were focused on the political scene in 1912 as three candidates fought for the presidency. Incumbent President William Howard Taft won the Republican nomination over former President Theodore Roosevelt who then created his own Progressive Party. Woodrow Wilson became the Democratic presidential candidate and eventually came out on top. This year was one of great joy for Leo and Josephine (Elpers) Hassett since it was in that year that they were blessed with the birth of their son, Patrick Leo, on April 12th. Pat, as he was often called, was born and raised as one of four children in his family in Logansport, Indiana, located in the center of the state. His father worked for the railroad while his mother stayed home and maintained the household. Pat’s home was rich in their Irish heritage and also rooted firmly in the Catholic faith. He enjoyed school, played ball in the summer, and had a paper route as a young teenager. During high school Pat was the senior class secretary and also the president of the HI-Y Club.

After graduating from high school in 1930, Pat went on to graduate from Indiana University with a degree in sociology. From there he continued on to graduate school at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Once Pat earned his degree he worked at the District of Columbia Hospital for a time. Not long after, Pat began what would become a very long career with social security offices throughout Michigan when he worked at the office in Marquette beginning in 1941. Pat soon moved his way up the ladder a bit and managed the office in Port Huron located in eastern Michigan. He then was the manager of the office in Grand Rapids for 15 years but moved to Kalamazoo in 1965 where he was the general manager of their office. The only interruption along his career path was a five year stint in the Army during WWII. Pat served in the both the Philippines and New Zeeland emerging from his time of service as a 1st Lieutenant in the adjunct general’s corp.

While he was busy building his career, Pat’s personal life became quite exciting as well. He met a young gal named Florence A. Strasburger who would forever hold the key to his heart. Ironically, they met through Pat’s brother Jack who married Florence’s sister Ruth – and when Pat and Florence met, a love story of their own had begun. They were married in 1945 and were soon thrilled with the births of three children: Mary Ann, Kitty, and Richard. Pat was a wonderful, generous, kind, and patient parent who taught his children well. He was very “hands-on” with his children which was a bit unusual for fathers of that generation. Whether he was helping them with their homework or playing with them, Pat always made time for his children no matter what he was doing. He was also very helpful with various household chores both inside and out. Their family enjoyed spending time together and some of the most treasured memories occurred when Pat played in the waters of Lake Michigan with his children while they were staying at a cottage they rented in Port Sheldon.

Pat spent his entire life in public service in one way or another. In 1958 he was nominated for the prestigious Rockefeller Public Service Award which honors career public servants. In 1971 he received a Commissioner’s Certificate, the federal agency’s highest award. In it, he was cited for “sustained exemplary performance in overall district management, especially his overall dedication to public service over the years.” At the heart of Pat's success truly was his compassionate spirit since once one of his former staff said she would have worked for him for free because he was such a wonderful boss, he retired as a district manager in 1975!

Later in life, there were new opportunities which Pat enjoyed. After he officially retired, he worked for a time at Kalamazoo Valley Community College as a night manager. For ten years, Pat and Florence spent their winters in Winter Haven, Florida where they made many friends and developed fond memories. He also enjoyed woodworking and even dabbled in oil painting on canvas. In 2000, Pat and Florence moved from their home on Bronson Boulevard where they had lived since 1965 to The Fountains at Bronson Place.

Throughout his life there were a number of interests that Pat enjoyed. He was a member of the downtown Kiwanis Club for many years, and also enjoyed bowling and golfing. Pat was a regular blood donor and an avid reader who was most comfortable at home reading a good book. He and Florence traveled extensively throughout both the United States and Europe together as well. As much as Pat enjoyed all of these things, spending time with his family and friends always topped his list.

In so many ways, Patrick Hassett was one of those rare people that can be so hard to find these days. He truly cared about making the world around him a better place and worked hard to serve others out of a genuine heart. Pat was a family man through and through who impacted future generations through his simple gestures of love often communicated by just sharing his time. Spending quality time with his family was also something he loved as his family grew to include additional branches on his family tree. Although he was recognized for his diligent service in his career, Pat’s family will forever appreciate the investment he made in their hearts and lives each and every day. He will be dearly missed.

Patrick Hassett died October 27, 2009 in Kalamazoo. Pat’s family includes his wife of 64 years, Florence Hassett; 3 children: Mary Ann Reehl; Kitty (Jon) Kachniewicz and Richard (Dinah) Hassett; 5 grandchildren: Steve (Haidee) Kachniewicz; Aimee (Tim) Ohmer; Leah (Terry) Bowers; Beth (Eric) Larson and Robert Reehl; 3 great-grandchildren: Jack and Charlie Larson and Jacob Bowers and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 siblings: Jack and Anson Hassett and by Margaret Donley. Learn more about Pat, view his Life Story film, and share in some refreshments with his family and friends on Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home –Kalamazoo, MI; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where services will be held Saturday 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Life Story Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to the American Red Cross.