James J. Hasson

James J. Hasson Esq., 82, of Randall Manor, a lifelong Staten Islander who was a prominent attorney for decades and an active member of the Democratic Party, died Wednesday in Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton. He had been rushed from home after being stricken with a recurrence of a heart condition.

Mr. Hasson was born in West Brighton, where he attended Sacred Heart School. After graduating from St. Peter's High School and St. Peter's (Jersey City) College, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Korean War and attained the rank of captain.

After his active duty, he returned to the Island and attended Fordham Law School while continuing his service in the Marine Corps Reserve.

In 1957, he married Mary Lou Teahan, who survives him, and that same year he became the chief clerk for former Surrogate Court Judge John C. Boylan. He later joined the office of Island District Attorney John Braisted as an assistant D.A., and began his own practice as a defense lawyer, eventually partnering with William J. Tobin. He was still engaged in the law at the time of his death.

As a young attorney he was very active in Democratic politics on Staten Island, and held positions locally in John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign, the subsequent campaigns of Kennedy's brother, Robert, and those of former Island Rep. John Murphy.


SADNESS AND SHOCK


State Supreme Court Justice Philip G. Minardo expressed sadness and shock over Mr. Hasson's death. He said the attorney had just appeared before him on Tuesday.

"He was as tenacious in support of his client's case as ever," said Minardo, the former administrative judge for Staten Island. "I've known Jimmy for many, many years. He was a very, very fine lawyer and gentleman, always, and he will be missed.

"In his younger years, he was probably one of the brightest stars in the Democratic Party. He was always looked up to as the epitome of being a lawyer, community activist and friend. We'll miss him very, very much."

Former Borough President Ralph Lamberti, who called Mr. Hasson "a friend for many, many years" and lauded his Irish wit, said, "Jim was one of those individuals who told you exactly the way he saw it. If he disagreed with you, he did it in such a way that he respected the individual he was talking to. That's one thing that always stood out about him."

Said retired Surrogate Charles D'Arrigo: "Jim had a unique variety of admirable qualities - dedication, loyalty and intelligence. He had a keen mind and a special ability to solve problems using common sense. You could always count on him to identify those points of law that were not applicable to any situation."


'A STALWART LAWYER'

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As an attorney, Mr. Hasson was known to be generous with his time, even when the client could not afford to pay, and during his career he was honored by the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society.

Said Tobin, "Jim Hasson and I were law partners for many years, and he remained a close friend up until the time of his unfortunate death." Mr. Hasson focused on criminal law, said Tobin, adding, "I know he enjoyed representing those sometimes believed to be guilty because of their class station in society. The legal profession has lost a stalwart lawyer."

"My big brother Jimmy always had the most sincere work ethic - even as a little boy - and he carried it through his entire professional career," recalled his sister, Joan Frederick. "He was generous and kind to anyone in need. And he always made sure all of us were okay at home, looking out for me and my brother. I loved him and will miss him."

Mr. Hasson was fond of traveling throughout the United States, Asia and Europe, including visits with family in Ireland and France. Most recently he enjoyed attending the performances and games of many of his 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Mary Lou, and sister, Joan, he is survived by three daughters, Julie Monzi, Maura Hasson and Elizabeth O'Connor; two sons, James and Michael Hasson, and their children.

The funeral will be Monday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be private.