Anthony Joseph Hassey, 87 of West Pittston peacefully passed into God's loving arms on Wednesday, September 15, 2017. He passed holding the caring hand of the love of his life, Grace Bufalino Hassey, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.
Tony was the son of the late Raymond Hassey and Rose Johns Hassey of Wilkes Barre, PA.
Tony was the epitome of strength, humility and kindness. You couldn't help but love him. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. From his recliner, his cheers and shouts would be heard over the TV broadcaster during games.
After matriculating from GAR High School, Tony enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War. When he first met Grace, he would impress her with his exploits as a paratrooper, diving from dangerous heights over treacherous war zones. After he won her heart, he fessed up and told her that he wasn't really a paratrooper but did honorably serve defending the US Bases in England.
She married him anyway. Their wedding was memorable to all at the time because it occurred despite 2 feet of snow which fell on that day. Grace was late for the church. Tony smoked almost 4 packs of cigarettes while waiting. Grace had to arrive in a “hearse” since it was the only vehicle that was able to get down the snowy road.
By far Tony's greatest accomplishment was his children. He was so proud that he was able to educate both of his sons. Tony was a wonderful storyteller and had a great sense of humor. He captivated the imaginations of his children and grandchildren with grand stories of wonder and hilarity and goofy songs that the kids can repeat to this day.
He was a devout and faithful Christian and parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception church. He would sit in the same pew at every mass, just under the stained glass window which held the visage of St. Theresa, to whom he held a special devotion.
Tony worked most of his adult life at Central Scrap Iron and Paper, which he owned with his uncle, the late George Hassy. After the scrapyard closed, Tony finished out his career at Central Development Group, which he founded.
Besides his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred Hassey, Ray Hassey, and sister Viola Salio.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, Grace, are his sons, Atty. Raymond Hassey and his wife, Donna, Exeter, PA, and Dr. Joseph Hassey and his wife Kelly, Newtown Square, PA; grandchildren, Attorney Anthony Hassey, Raymond Jr, Avery, Kaelyn, Maegan, Joseph Jr, Justin, Emily, and Christian Hassey, along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved and faithful sister, Elizabeth Longo, of Pittston. He will also be missed by his dog and companion, Pepe.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday September 16 at 11am, in Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston. Friends may call from 9am until time of mass. Interment will follow in West Pittston Cemetery.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, nurse's aides, and therapists who took such great care of Tony, as well as the Corpus Christi Church community for their warmth and compassion in caring for him and his family during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony's memory to Care and Concern Ministries, 35 William St., Pittston Pa 18640 or to Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church (address above.)
Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC.