Star Beacon
JEFFERSON —
Richard A. Sasala, age 85, of S. Elm St., Jefferson, died Friday morning, August 17, 2012, in the loving arms of his family at Jefferson Healthcare Center.
He had been a patient there the past 19 months.
He was born March 28, 1927, in Cleveland, the son of Stephen and Margaret (Duch) Sasala and had lived in the Jefferson area since 1948, coming from Cleveland. Mr. Sasala was a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School and attended Ohio State University. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving in World War II and always talked about his service time in Garmish, Germany and was pleased when his son visited there this summer.
Mr. Sasala farmed for many years raising Ayshire cattle and breeding border collies for which he won 1st place at the Ashtabula Co. Fair. He also worked at Ashtabula Bow Socket for 20 years, retiring in 1982. He then worked several summers with the Ashtabula Co. Engineers office on the covered bridge projects.
He was a member of St. Joseph Calasanctius Church where he served as an adult acolyte, on Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister enjoying taking communion to the home bound. He was a proud charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4212, serving as treasurer for many years and proud member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Sir Leo J. Kane Assembly, serving as faithful navigator. His hobbies included model trains, listening to music, especially classical, making maple syrup, spending time in his woods and most of all spending time with his friends and family, especially his nine grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, R. Joyce (Zimmerman) Sasala, whom he married on August 22, 1959 at St. Joseph Calasanctius Church; five children, Dr. Stephen Sasala of Parma, Mary Beth (Gary) Simpkins of Tucson, Ariz., Carol Sasala of Cleveland, Dr. Richard (Nancy) Sasala of Toledo and Mark (Rosemary) Sasala of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and nine grandchildren, Ann, Andrew, Matthew, Lauren, Daniel, Erin, Gabriel, Christian and Xavier Sasala. His parents and two brothers, Raymond and Dr. James Sasala preceded him in death.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the nurses and aides of A-wing at the Jefferson Healthcare, as well as Tridia Hospice for their loving care.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 22nd, at St. Joseph Calasanctius Church, 32 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with Fr. Charles Poore officiating. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery where Geneva Post #6846 of the V.F.W. will offer Full Military Honors.
Calling Hours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, at the Jefferson Home of FLEMING & BILLMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph Calasanctius Church Memorial Fund (above address) or to Father & Brothers Maryknoll, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, N.Y. 10545-0302 or Tridia Hospice, 1933 St. Rt. 45, Austinburg, Ohio 44010.
Guest book and obituary at fleming-billman.com and starbeacon.com.
