Leggio "Lee" Sassi

Leggio (Lee) Joseph Sassi passed away on February 2, 2026, in Ellicott City, Maryland where he lived at Lighthouse Senior Living for the past 3 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Phyllis "Iris" Smoot; Father, Natale Sassi: Mother, Ida Coluzzi Sassi; Stepmother, Yolanda Coluzzi Sassi; Brothers, Isadore and Dante Sassi. He is survived by his 3 sisters, Jemma Anderson, Mary Wilke, and Leona Swetts. Lee is survived by his two daughters, Phyllis Jean and husband James Pierpoint; and Gail Lynn and husband J. Daniel Conaway; 5 grandchildren, Stacie Pierpoint and Joe Kraus, Stefanie and husband Jesse Wells, Michael Pierpoint and wife Jessica, John "JD" Conaway and wife Melissa, Brian Conaway and wife Elisabeth. Also, 5 great-grandchildren: McKenzie, Colden, Hannah, Silas Conaway and Claire Pierpoint.

Lee was born on August 10, 1922, near Star Junction, PA. He left home when he was 15 years old enlisting in the Army in 1938. He served 2 years in Hawaii, leaving Hawaii in August 1940 to serve at Fort Meade for 1 year to complete his 3-year tour in 1941 only to be called back in March 1942 due to WWII. Lee was then assigned to Co "C" 44 Army Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, and trained in the South, West, and the Mojave Desert for the last 6 months before leaving for England in February 1944 and assigned to General Patton's 3rd Army. They fought through France, Belgium, the Battle of the Bulge, and Germany. He was wounded in Germany on April 12, 1945, not far from the Elb River, where they were to meet up with the Russians. Lee was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, European Theatre Operation Ribbon with Silver Star (meaning he was in 5 campaigns) and the Cold War Medal. After being released from the Army Hospital, Lee re-enlisted for another 3 years. He served as an M.P. (Military Police) in Baltimore and was promoted to Master Sergeant. After a few months in Baltimore, Lee was sent to 703 M.P. Company at Fort Meyer Virginia where he served as President Truman's Honor Guard for 3 months. At that time, he received orders for Korea where he served in Inchon, Korea from February 1947 until August 1948. Lee was Honorably Discharged from the Army at the end of August 1948.

Lee was Knighted by the Consul General Republic of France and bestowed the "Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur" on November 28, 2025, for his role in France during WWII.

Lee had a love for baseball his whole life. He was on many local teams in the early years after his discharge and was known for his pitching abilities. He often said he dreaded pitching to Al Kaline (before signing with the Detroit Tigers) because it was "never a good thing!" When the Orioles came to Baltimore in 1954, Lee started saving every Topps Oriole baseball card each year up to his death. It was his passion. Lee was recognized on his 101-year birthday at Camden Yards, Baltimore, on August 10, 2023. The Orioles honored him by throwing out the first pitch of the game, fulfilling his dream of being on the field and pitching. On the same day, Representatives from Topps honored Lee by presenting him with his very own Topps Baseball Card (101 copies). Topps again honored Lee with a second card for his 103rd birthday. The Sassi front yard held many a baseball game with family and neighborhood kids!

Lee was a plasterer for many years before employment with Westinghouse in Sykesville where he eventually retired. He lived in his original 3 story farmhouse until he was 99 years young before moving to Lighthouse Senior Living, Ellicott City, MD until his death.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville where a Catholic Prayer Service will be held on 10 AM on Monday, February 9, 2026. Interment will follow at St. Alphonsus Church Cemetery, Woodstock.

Those desiring may make memorial donations to Gilchrist Hospice, 6336 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044 or to the VFW Post #7472, 4225 VFW Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com