Joseph C. Hassey Obituary

It is with deep sorrow but even deeper joy, that the Hassey and Sierota family share that Joseph Charles Hassey moved from this earth to his heavenly home on February 20, 2023 leaving a rich and meaningful legacy of faith and family.

Born to Thelma Rose and Joseph Charles Pershing Hassey, little Joe was brought home on January 26, 1944 to Thelma's parents while his father was serving in the U.S. Army. Growing up in Kenmore, NY, he was the oldest of 4 siblings. As a young man, he developed a love for tinkering with engines and electronics, camping and playing music, particularly the oboe. He was also deeply influenced by his faith in Jesus Christ, which was nurtured through his
involvement with Youth for Christ and the Riverside Baptist Church.

After graduating from Kenmore West Senior High in 1962, Joe pursued his bachelor's degree at Houghton College in New York State. There, he worked at the college dining hall where he met the love of his life, Peggy Stern. They were married on June 11, 1966 in Manheim, PA. Prior to Joe's graduation in 1967, Joe and Peggy spent their summers working at Camp Sandy Hill on the Chesapeake Bay helping youth learn more about Jesus and grow in their faith. Following graduation, Joe went on to earn his Master of Divinity at Conservative Baptist Theological
Seminary in Denver, CO in 1971. During his time in Denver, Joe served as Youth Pastor at Belcaro Evangelical Free Church working with students and starting the New Life Singers.

Following a pastoral role at Edgebrook Evangelical Free Church in Edgebrook, IL, Joe found his calling in Christian education, continuing his passion for helping young people grow in their faith and fulfilling their calling in Christian ministry. He spent his career teaching, serving as a Dean of Students and working as an administrator for Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity College at Miami, Biblical Seminary and Ambrose University College. Joe continued his
own education, earning his M.A. of New Testament at Trinity and his Doctorate from University of Buffalo. Throughout his life, Joe continued enjoying music as a hobby taking great interest in the guitar, singing and playing the oboe in many local and university groups as well as in the churches he attended.

In retirement, Joe and Peggy settled in Lewiston, NY near his childhood home, enjoying the final years with his mother who preceded him in Heaven in 2015, joining his already deceased father. He enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, spending time with his family and grandchildren, riding bikes, playing oboe in the Buffalo Niagara Concert Band and singing with Peggy in the Buffalo Choral Arts Society.

The family on this side of eternity includes his loving wife, Peggy of 57 years, 3 siblings James 'Jim' Hassey (married to Lois), John Hassey and Janette Hassey as well as his 3 children: Stephen Hassey, Linda Sierota (married to Jeffery Sierota) and David Hassey (married to Suzen Hassey), 6 grandchildren: Jamie (Ana), Noah (Caraline), Sydney (Cameron), Graham, Zachary and Jarrod, 3 Great Grandchildren: Django, Raelynn and Aidan, in addition to countless other friends and colleagues who had the honor of crossing paths with Joe. We are comforted by the
thought that he is now with his Lord and Savior in Heaven. We are reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.'

An intimate gathering and graveside service for the immediate family will be held at Elmlawn Cemetery in Kenmore, NY. A public Memorial Service to celebrate and remember Joe's life is being planned for the near future, more details will be forthcoming. In Lieu of Flowers, Peggy has asked that donations be made to Teach Beyond https://www2.teachbeyond.org.