Thomas W. Hasselmann

Thomas W. Hasselmann

AGE: 79 • Formerly of Montville

Thomas W. Hasselmann, formerly of Montville, died on September 10, 2017, surrounded by his wife and all his children.

Tom was born in Brooklyn, New York to Thomas and Ann (Murphy) Hasselmann. As a child, Tom lived above the family-owned Irish bar and hotel/restaurant, the Hayes Roadhouse aka "Ma Hayes", which was a neighborhood favorite and iconic building in the Midwood section of Brooklyn for over 70 years. Tom had fond memories of growing up with his many cousins. Over the years, this Hayes contingent of the "Ocean Avenue Gang" left Brooklyn to raise their families. In 2015, many returned for a happy reunion where bonds were instantly recreated and memories of the old days were relived.

Tom attended grammar school at Our Lady of Help Christians in Brooklyn. In 1955, he graduated from Xavier High School in Manhattan. In the senior yearbook, Tom listed his career goal as "carving tombstones in the elephant's graveyard." Instead of fulfilling that admirable aspiration, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and was immediately called to active duty. Simultaneously, Tom started his family to a growing number of children.

After his military service, Tom moved his family to Westfield, New Jersey. He worked and attended St. Peter's University at night. In 1968, Tom graduated with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy. Tom was a gifted systems analyst before that occupation ever really existed. This career enabled a life where Tom could support his family and be home to cheer on his children at lacrosse games, band concerts, marathon Monopoly games, etc. (Although he was obviously not at home during the infamous "stairwell jumping disaster" of 1972.)

In the early 1970's, Tom relocated his family to (then) bucolic Montville where he provided his children with a life of swimming, sailing, and fishing at Lake Valhalla. It was in this idyllic setting that friends introduced Tom to the lovely Louise; they married in 2007. Tom cherished his time with Louise, from traveling around the world to sitting quietly at home. In 2013, Tom and Louise moved to the Kendal retirement village in Lexington, Virginia where they continued to enjoy life together.

In addition to his wife Louise, Tom is survived by his brothers and their wives: Paul and Ronnie, Dennis and Kathy, and Donald and Suzanne. He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews. Tom leaves his beloved children: Tom and Rhonda, Stephen and Maggie, Susan and Larry, John and Brigid, and Michael. Also, his step-children and their families: Mary Beth and Mac with Ellie and James and John and Patricia with Kendra, Patrick, and Courtney. In addition, Tom is survived by his first wife and mother to his children, Kathleen. Tom's fourteen grandchildren are his enduring legacy: Sarah (Eli), Joseph, Lee, Lucas, Jack, Emilie, Alex, Amanda, Liam, Brenna, Claire, Shea, Henry, and Michael.

A celebration of Tom's life and Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 16th at First Presbyterian Church, 513 Birch Street in Boonton. Private interment will follow the service. Prior to the service, all are invited to visit with the family at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Shriner's Hospitals for Children (www.shriner shospitals.org/donate).