Great Barrington — John Edward Hassett DMD, 93, of Great Barrington died Tuesday November 18, 2014 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. He was born at his family home in Great Barrington on October 9, 1921, son of Francis T. and Clara Mahar Hassett.
John was a graduate from Berkshire School class of 1940, then went on to Holy Cross College from 1940-1942. John finished his education at Tufts College Dental School from 1943-1946. After college John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy where he served in WWII in Sundai, Japan 1946-1947 and during the Korean Conflict 1952-1954 in Blackstone, Va.
John worked as a dentist for 50 years retiring in 1998. He was a member of the Massachusetts Dental Association for over 50 years. John also was a member of the Great Barrington School Board before becoming the Chairman of the Regional School Committee at the time Monument Mountain Regional High School was built. He was a founding member of the Mahaiwe Association Investment Club. He was part owner of Mahaiwe No. 200 Motors racecars at Lebanon Valley In addition, he was the proud owner of two Model A cars and enjoyed participating in cars shows. He was able to travel extensively with his beloved wife Clara enabling him to see the world with his favorite travel companion. He always had a joke readily available because he was in the “smile business.” John was a proud fan and supporter of the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics.
John’s wife Clara Hall Hassett whom he married at St. Peter’s Church in Great Barrington on April 15,1950 predeceased him on May 28, 2010. John is survived by five sons, John E. Hassett Jr. of Almenia, Wis., David M. Hassett and wife Gordana of Castine, Me., Patrick F. Hassett and wife Theresa of Pittsburg, Penn., Stephen H. Hassett and wife Jean of Philadelphia, Penn., and Christopher Hassett and wife Pamela of New Marlborough; three daughters, Margaret Mary “Mimi” Hassett of Housatonic, Amy Louise Pendelton and husband Charles of Ferrum, Va., and Kathleen Anne Young and husband David of Housatonic; seventeen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Clara, John was predeceased by one brother, Francis T. Hassett Jr., and two sisters, Mary Gilligan and Anne Hogan.
Funeral services for John E. Hassett, DMD who died November 18, will be held on Monday November 24, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church with the Reverend William P. Murphy, pastor officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Sunday November 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME 33 South Street Great Barrington MA 01230. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in John’s memory may be made to the St. Peter’s Church Restoration Fund or to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME 33 South Street Great Barrington, MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
