John J. Hassett

Passed unexpectedly March 2, 2025. Predeceased by his parents John & Helen (Lynch) Hassett, brother & sister in law Tom & Peg Hassett, parents in law, Michael & Margaretta Bennett; brother in law Michael Bennett Jr, sister & brother in law Eller & Charlie Ross. Survived by loving wife of 53 years Cathy (Bennett), son Michael (Janice), daughter Katie (Josh) Dill; sister Kathy (John) Baran, brothers in law John (Lisa) Bennett, & Christopher Bennett. Beloved grandchildren Benjamin, Elisabeth, Hannah & Avery. Nieces & nephews Kim Fowler, Jeff Baran, Michael Baran, Ken (Carrie) Hassett, Greg (Yvonne) Hassett, Chuck Ross, Lauren Bennett, Michael Bennett, Elise (Craig) LoPresti and many great nieces and nephews.

John was born in Auburn, NY in 1947. He enjoyed playing sports and working on cars. John graduated from Auburn East High in 1965. After high school, John attended Auburn Community College and eventually joined the US Army where he trained to be an air traffic controller. Upon leaving the Army, John bummed around Boston, travelled to England and Ireland and eventually ended up working as an Air Traffic Control specialist in New Hampshire. Not long after, he relocated to Rochester where he met and married the love of his life, Cathy (an Auburn girl!). Together they had two kids, Mike & Katie.

John’s career as an air traffic controller led him to Ohio, where they lived in the Cleveland suburb of Elyria. After the air traffic control strike of 1981 John became a Mail carrier, first in Ohio, and then moving back to Rochester. Meanwhile, Mike & Katie had him happily travelling to every football and soccer field in the Northeast as their number one fan. This allowed John to share in his love of sports and socialize, his two favorite things. When John retired from the Post Office in 2008 he went to work for Greece Central as a bus driver. This chapter of his work life would result in years of friendship and breakfast outings. John was known for his ability to talk to anyone and everyone. He especially enjoyed his annual trips to Watkins Glen and watching his Bill’s play every Sunday.

Although John was a great dad and a great friend, he truly shined in the role of “Grampa”. Ben, Liz, Hannah & Avery all got the benefit of Grampa’s love and attention. He was always up for a game, a building project, a puzzle, driving lessons, building legos, coloring or just hanging out and watching tv. He will be truly missed.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St Leo Church in Hilton, Friday, March 7 at 11 am. Internment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans Outreach Center 447 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620.