Henry Darwood Dasse Jr.

Henry Darwood Dasse, Jr., of Tracy, California, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 85. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Linda; their three children, Kimberly Ann, Gregory Alan, and Jeffrey Dale; daughters-in-law Tamie Wright and Dorian Rooney; one granddaughter, Maverick Melody; and one grandpup, Dixon. Hank was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 4, 1940. When he was born at noon, the church bells were ringing, and throughout his life his mother would say with a smile, "He was born at noon and has been eating ever since." That playful remark reflected Hank's zest for life, his humor, and his love of food and family. He spent his early childhood in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where the nearby airfield sparked his lifelong passion for aviation. Before starting a family, he purchased a Luscombe aircraft; he loved seeing the world from the air. After graduating from high school in Florida, Hank briefly attended the University of Florida before beginning a 39-year career in the communications industry. He started as a cable helper, working on projects that included the Kennedy Space Center during the Apollo era. One of his favorite memories from this time was installing phone lines for the Apollo press corps and meeting Walter Cronkite, who impressed him with his warmth and cordiality. Hank spent the last decade of his career as an international instructor for AT&T, teaching in Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and England. Respected for his technical expertise and loved for his gift of connecting with people, he found his true calling in teaching. Alongside his career, Hank served 25 years in the National Guard, beginning in Florida and retiring in California. His family fondly remembers his pressed uniforms and polished shoes, always kept ready with a shoe-shine kit neatly stored in a repurposed ammunition box that clicked open and shut with a distinctive "clack". Everyone knew when it was time for him to go away for "army training" when that shoeshine kit made its appearance. The children were thrilled when he would come home with MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat), which they would eat while playing army in his old uniforms. Hank married Linda Jane Tlucka on November 13, 1965, in Cocoa, Florida. Together they raised three children. He was immensely proud of his children's accomplishments and felt fortunate to welcome his daughters-in-law into the family. Becoming a grandfather brought him special joy, and he cherished Maverick from the moment he held her as a newborn. He was the first to hold her after her birth, a distinction he treasured. After retiring, Hank returned to the skies in a Challenger and developed close friendships with other pilots in Lodi, CA. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow pilots and "hangar flying" - swapping stories on the ground. His family remembers his tales of flying low over fields in the surrounding area and watching the coyotes scatter. Hank was known for grilling dinner in his robe and slippers, his distinctive whistling that carried through the house, and the warmth he brought to ordinary family moments. His mornings were devoted to tracking the financial markets, never missing CNBC's Halftime Report. During the afternoon he enjoyed reading a book as he soaked in the pool. His family will remember him as both a champion and an advocate - devoted in his love, steady in his guidance, and unwavering in his support. He will be deeply and forever missed. Services to celebrate his life are being planned for later this year.