Marvin Hassell

Marvin Leroy Hassell Ballston Spa - Marvin Leroy Hassell, 82, of Ballston Spa passed away Tuesday June 10th surrounded by his family. Marvin was born in Brownfield, Texas on August 21, 1931 to Richard and Trudy (Crawford) Hassell. He graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside, California in 1948, although most of his schooling was completed in Palestine, Texas. Marvin served 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a submariner. He completed training at the Kesselring Site in West Milton at the Atomic Energy Commission’s school and at Union College in Schenectady. He always felt honored to have been able to interact with the many great minds that he encountered at Union. He was assigned to the USS Seawolf, the world’s second atomic powered submarine in 1957. It was while serving in West Milton that he met the love of his life, Alice S. Lewis. They were married on October 8, 1955. He retired to Ballston Spa in 1970 as a Master Chief. He was the initiator and driving force behind getting the New York State Submariners Memorial installed next to the Veteran’s Memorial in Ballston Spa in 2012. Marvin went on to work at General Electric in the gas turbine division as an Installations Engineer. He was well-loved by both his colleagues and customers all over the world, always encouraging camaraderie and delivering excellent service. He retired from GE in May, 1991. Marvin’s life revolved around his wife and family. He treated Alice (his “Honey”) like a queen. His children and grandchildren had an excellent role model in “Pa”, were raised surrounded by love and affection, and were given many opportunities for personal growth. He was extremely generous to everyone, and loved to impart his wisdom to his children and grandchildren. Quick wit, a sharp mind and a keen sense of humor were also his hallmarks. He made friends easily and was always ready with advice and support. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years; his son, David (Ann); daughter Debbie (Benny) Zlotnick; granddaughters Sarah (his “Boo-ahs”) (Chris) McMahon and Kate Winslow; and grandson Benjamin Winslow; brother-in law Myron Lewis; nephews Bill and Michael Lewis, all of Ballston Spa. Also surviving are his sister Lois Thompson (Sun City, CA) and her children Fred (Lydia), Chuck, Tom, and Kay. In addition to his parents, Marvin was predeceased by his brothers Sheldon and Norman and his sister Mavis Kiser. Funeral services will be held 10am Saturday, June 14 at Christ Episcopal Church, West High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 6-8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com