Roy Allan Hassel
June 5, 1935 - October 13, 2025
The Reverend Dr. Roy Allan Hassel, husband of Judith Mowry Hassel, of Hartsdale, New York, died at home on October 13, 2025, at the age of 90, with his wife, Judy, and his four children by his side. Born in White Plains, New York, on June 5, 1935, he was the only child of Edna Hassel Benson and Roy Allan Hassel, Sr. and stepson of Julius A. Benson, all of whom predeceased him.
Raised in White Plains, he graduated from White Plains High School. He then attended Cornell University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and was in the SAE Fraternity and rowed for the Crew team. He attended Drew University School of Theology, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1960 and later with a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1975. Roy was ordained an Elder in the New York Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1960.
As a United Methodist pastor for forty years, Roy served churches in Kingston, NY, New Paltz, NY, Ridgefield, CT, and Westport, CT, in addition to being a District Superintendent. He and his wife and love of his life, Judy, made quite a team in ministry - serving Christ and making a life of deep and lasting friendships along the way. Following his retirement in 2000, he and his wife, Judy, moved to Hartsdale, NY, back to Roy's family home.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, his memory lives on in their children and grandchildren; children: Jeffrey Hassel of Kennebunk, ME, Susan Hassel Swavely (Greg) of Reading, PA, Cynthia Hassel Jones (Terry) of Haymarket, VA, and Stephen Hassel of Stratford, CT; grandchildren: Ryan and Kristen Swavely and Carter, Kyler and Landon Gray.
A memorial service in celebration of Roy's life will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2pm at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main St., Ridgefield, CT. A reception will follow after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jesse Lee Memorial UMC Legacy Fund, https://jesseleechurch.com/legacy-fund/ .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Ridgefield Press from Oct. 19 to Oct. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Hassel

Sponsored by Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services of Elmsford.

11 Entries

Leila Erhardt

November 9, 2025

Roy baptized, confirmed and married my three daughters,
Sherrie,Erica and Renee at JesseLee church. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Leila Erhardt

Barbara Railton-Jones

November 8, 2025

Our family were parishioners at the Westport UMC. We were always amazed at Pastor Roy´s faith, energy and enthusiasm for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him.

Angela and Ken Parker

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Jerry Gay

November 6, 2025

Having worked at Jesse Lee for 6 years I had the privilege of seeing Roy up close and his attention to detail, all in great humor. And his willingness to pitch in and help from helping me weed grass from flower beds or climbing up into the crabapple tree to show me how to trim the suckers back.
The best memory was his desire to show what the last supper in the upper room might have been like. We found long wide boards and put them on bricks and then he had everyone lay down to eat honey and dates. All +6 ft of him. With his huge smile as big as he was.
He provided such a rock as I was going to night school and starting a family. He was a most special man and I am very sorry to be traveling on Sat for the service.

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David Berkey

November 3, 2025

Roy was a very significant mentor/father figure in my life and career. My 8 years at Jesse Lee Memorial UMC working with him and the ever-evolving Jesse Lee community (and youth) are still among the best, most creative, most exciting, most intense, and most joyful of my life. I am moved to remember Susan's wedding, where Roy had to be sure he was both father and pastor and the death and funeral of his beloved mother. He taught me to be a compassionate hard-working leader and that in ministry one has to be disciplined about everything. No detail (especially about people, their names and who they are and how they could be connected) could be ignored. There was no doubt about who was in charge of that church community and yet it was led by Roy with grace, enthusiasm, and love. His spirit, and that of the Jesse Lee and Hassel family, will forever live inside of me and my ministry. I am sad I cannot attend the service (major national meeting at Lake Junaluska) but will be there in spirit. Love and peace to all who knew and loved Roy Hassel.

Jim Glenn

November 2, 2025

I have fond memories of Roy from our times together at the SAE fraternity at Cornell. Tall, gregarious, always a smile on his face, Roy was always interested in finding out how I and others were doing. rather than talking about himself. I enjoyed the few times I traveled with him to Sunday services he prayerfully conducted (!) at a very small nearby church. Not able to afford a minister, Roy was a great substitute! Not surprised that Roy continued to become a minister. He was called to do so. To Judy and the family, I wish that your fond memories will ameliorate your grief and loss. Blessings, Jim Glenn Cornell BME 1960.

Phil Monroe

October 27, 2025

Roy and I were roommates at Cornell for two years. Lots of fun times in my memory bank!!!

THOMAS ITIN

October 27, 2025

Judy and children

Sad to hear of Roy's passing!

He was my classmate, fellow Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity brother, and fellow Quill and Dagger , Senior Men's honorary member. Great athlete and scholar.

May, Roy R I P

Tom and Shirley Itin

Dr. Richard Stoddard

October 21, 2025

I have known and been a friend of Roy since the 1980's. I met him in the Willis Lake area of Wells, N.Y. Back in the 1980s. Roy performed the funeral services for both of my parents. He was an outstanding man, very caring of others. He was married to Judy Hassel, who survives him and has four outstanding children. My wife Donna and I will greatly miss him.

Deborah Daniello

October 20, 2025

Reverend Hassel was my minister growing up in Ridgefield. I remember well our classes for confirmation. Thank you for pastoring your flock, you left a lasting impression on this "sheep". May you rest in eternal peace in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Allen Rapp

October 19, 2025

Reverend Hassel was my preacher growing up in Ridgefield in the 70s. He was always so positive and supportive of me as a young child and adult. Rest in Peace and thank you.

Allen Rapp

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