Chandler Jerome "Jerry" Hassett

1938 - 2018

Chandler Jerome "Jerry" Hassett

Phoenix - Chandler Jerome "Jerry" Hassett, 80, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2018. Jerry was born in Kansas City, Mo., on April 13, 1938, to Mary Margaret and Chandler Oscar Hassett. He was the oldest brother to Terry (Bob Fisher), Timothy (Carol), Patrick, Kevin (Julie), Michael (Jill) and Maggie.

Jerry attended Rockhurst High School where he played football and went on to join the football team at the University of Wisconsin. He transferred to Arizona State University and graduated with an engineering degree in 1962. At ASU, he met his one true love, Patricia "Patty" Ann Lowe. They married January 30, 1963, at St. Francis Xavier Church and have five beautiful children who called him "Pappa": Michael Hassett, Eden Higgins (Patrick), Shannan McLaine (Keith), Patrick Hassett (Kristin) and Colleen Chester (Tim). Jerry and Patty have 12 grandchildren: Ryan, Christopher Joseph "C.J.," Calvin, Shannan, Kathryn "Katie," Sean, Elizabeth "Ellie," Connor, Reid, Nolen, Riley and Blake. He will also be missed by countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jerry served in Germany with the Air National Guard in 1961. He returned to Phoenix and started C.J. Hassett Corp., a commercial general contractor that built iconic structures such as Golf N' Stuff (now Castles and Coasters), Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff and countless restaurants such as Hobo Joe's (now Federal Pizza), The Jockey Club and many other restaurants out of state. He supported his kids' activities as they made their way through Xavier College Preparatory and Brophy College Preparatory and then on to ASU and U of A. He loved sports, was an avid hunter, told great stories, enjoyed a good cigar, a stiff drink, gave the best hugs and said countless Rosaries. However, there was no greater joy in his life than that of his family and his faith. For many years, he served as Lector and Eucharist Minister at St. Francis Xavier. You could find Jerry at church multiple times a week in his signature suit and colorful pocket square surrounded by his family. As he took his last breath, he held Patty in one hand and reached for his Lord Jesus Christ with the other.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Margaret and Chandler Hassett, and his brothers Patrick and Timothy.

A memorial Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 4, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012. Private interment at St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SFX Building Fund (4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012) and Phoenix Mountain Nursing Center (13232 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85032).