Daniel William Vassily

Daniel William Vassily, 67 of Rockland died on January 14, 2010 at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. Danny was born in Boston, the son of the late Daniel and Eleanor (Mahoney) Vassily. Brother of Kathleen Wheeler of Hanover, Eileen Casey and her husband Jack of Whitman, and Geri Foley and her husband Dan of Rockland. Father of Daniel W. Vassily, Jr. and Michele Vassily Lauer of Lynn. Grandfather of Evan and Hayley Lauer. Uncle of Gregg, Mark, and Jaclyn Wheeler, Sean and Patrick Casey, and Daniel and Brendan Foley. Great Uncle of Isabel, Austin, Nicole and Knox Wheeler. Beloved nephew of Mary C. Mahoney. Danny also leaves many cousins. A painter by trade, Danny retired in 1995. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Danny served aboard a destroyer, the USS Gearing from 1962-1965 as a Quartermaster. Danny sailed to Africa, Italy, France and various places in the Mediterranean. In October 1962 the Gearing took part in the American "quarantine" patrol against Cuba as the world trembled on the brink of war. This swift and classic use of power at sea solved the crisis. Danny was also a member of the USS Gearing Association (DD 710), and the George K. Menichios Post 324 of the American Legion. When he was still able to drive, Danny could be found many a time at Suffolk Downs Race Track, a passion he inherited from his father. He attended many a Mass Cap race at the track. If there was a game of Greek Rummy or poker going on, Danny always wanted in. He spent many hours playing some high stakes games with aunts, uncles and cousins. Danny also enjoyed playing the lottery, hoping to someday win the big score. A funeral will be held from the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union St. ROCKLAND on Tuesday January 19, 2010 at 8:15 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow in Holy Family Church at 9:00 AM. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 12:45 PM. Calling hours will be on Monday January 18, 2010 from 4-7 PM.