Michael Van Tassel

Michael F. Van Tassel, 67, of Heritage Village, Southbury, formerly a Danbury resident for 40 years, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012, in the Palliative Care Unit at the Veteran's Hospital in West Haven after a tedious struggle with cancer. He was the husband of Linda (Hamilton) Van Tassel. He was born in Union City, PA on November 24, 1944, the son of the late Kathryn and Raymond Van Tassel. After attending Union City Schools, he graduated from UCHS in 1962. He entered Baldwin Wallace College and became a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. During the Viet Nam War, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years in Anchorage, Alaska, at Elmendorf Air Force Base. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and his Master's of Business Administration Degree from the University of Alaska. Michael had worked in finance for both Richardson-Vicks and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceutical Corporations. Most recently, he was employed by the Ridgefield Hardware Store before his retirement. Michael was an active member and officer of King Solomon's Masonic Lodge and served as a state District Deputy for District 2 B in 1988. He belonged to the North Congregational Church in Woodbury, CT and served on the board of trustees. He also served as president of the Ridgefield First Congregational Choir under the direction of Edwin Taylor. His love of music, his time with his grandchildren, and his community service completed Michael's life. In addition to his wife, Linda, of 45 years, he is survived by his daughter, Leslie Delomand and her daughter Leah Van Tassel (granddaughter) of Ridgefield; his daughter, Kaylin Barnwell, her husband, Robert, and their son, Trey, and daughter, Kilah, (grandchildren) of Danbury; a sister, Lynette Allanigue, her husband, Dr. Roger Allanique, and Rayna and Michael (niece and nephew) of Erie, PA: a sister in law, Anne Still; brother in law, John Still, nieces Tara Pace of Erie, PA and Tamilyn Shetler of Cochranton, PA; great nephews, James Pace and Brandon Shetler and great niece, Miranda Pace. A memorial service will be held at the North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North, Woodbury, CT on Sunday, March 25th at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Craig McClellan officiating. Interment will be in State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown at the discretion of the family. Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for the Pastor's Discretionary Fund, North Congregational Church, PO Box 473, Woodbury, CT 06798; or Music Ministry, First Congregational Church, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.