Stephen "Gig" Gilbert Hasson

Stephen G. “Gig” Hasson, 93, of South Portland passed away peacefully on July 5, 2022 after a long full life. He was born on March 15, 1929 to Stephen J. and Florence (Hayden) Hasson on Walnut Street on Munjoy Hill. His family moved to Peaks Island in 1932 when he was three years old. Growing up on the island, it became an indelible part of who he was for his entire life. He attended Peaks Island School and was a graduate of Portland High School where he was an All-State defensive football player. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree at what is now the University of Southern Maine, as well as an Associate’s degree at what is now Southern Maine Community College. Gig’s younger years on Peaks Island were full of numerous adventures with his brothers and buddies, some not fit to print. During and following the wartime years, he was quite enterprising on the island. From the age of 14 through high school, he drove the ice truck, delivering ice to island homes throughout the summers. Following high school, he and his brother Richard (Dick) owned and operated the Harborview Bar for a couple of years where the Gem Gallery and Umbrella Cover Museum are now located. As one can only surmise, it was a memorable and lively island establishment with stories we’ve heard over the years. Following his Harborview business, Gig went scallop dragging out to Georges Banks with a Swedish captain and crew for several months. Following a fierce blizzard on his last trip, he decided to hang up his oilskins for good. During the Korean conflict, Gig served stateside in the U.S. Army. He was first stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and then served in the Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps, living and working in New York City. As best man at his childhood friend David Parker and Vivian Anania’s wedding in 1953, he set his sights on meeting a beautiful girl, Mary Bowden. Gig and Mary were married on August 31, 1954 during what became Hurricane Carol! Power went out, trees were down, and the bride was late to the church, but the wedding still prevailed and they celebrated 61 years together until Mary’s death in 2015. Gig entered the Portland Fire Department in 1952 with intervals during this time in the service. He quickly rose up the ranks to, ultimately, District Chief in 1967. In the mid-1960’s while stationed as a Captain, at the Peaks Island “Fire Barn” with his brother Larry and Norton (Monty) Montgomery, Gig and his small crew also served as the island’s police force. More reminiscent of Barney Fife, there were top secret “stake-outs” to thwart backshore teenage parties and speeders, even though the island had no speed limit signs. Once Gig became a District Fire Chief, he and his family moved off of Peaks Island to Portland. He enjoyed his years in the Portland Fire Department, but wanted to do more to prevent fires that often resulted in loss of life. While still working for the PFD, he began to work for the Maine State Fire Service. For the State, he began to teach tactical and hydraulic courses to novice and veteran firefighters. When he retired from the fire department in 1974, he immediately went to work full-time for State Fire Training and Education, and ultimately became the Maine State Fire Administrator. With his office located on the campus of Southern Maine Community College, he oversaw the Fire Science training and education programs across the state. Throughout his career, he took a particular interest in supporting burn victims, often attending conventions and seminars at the University of Maryland’s Fire Training Academy to learn more about burn victims’ plight and how to employ more preventative measures. As a result of these experiences, Gig was instrumental in helping to implement the “Learn Not to Burn” program in Maine public schools as a model curriculum to help children learn about fire safety and prevention. Gig retired as Maine State Fire Administrator in 1994 as a happy and fulfilled man. Civic engagement was very important to Gig. He served on the Portland Harbor Commission for nine years, as well as on the Learn Not to Burn Foundation. When the Irving Oil Company planned to build more oil tanks near Bug Light, Gig and his sister Kay Loring successfully prevailed as“Davids” to their “Goliath” opponents to prevent the project and preserve what is now known as Bug Light Park for all to enjoy. Gig enjoyed his retirement years which were anything but idle. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary, especially to Canada in the summers and fall. When not out and about, he enjoyed his expansive view of Casco Bay from his living room, often calling his son-in-law Nick to report on the full capacities of various Casco Bay Lines ferries. He also liked to call his friend Ken Farber when he was out for a sail to advise him of a better route he should take in the channel. Ever the fitness enthusiast, Gig faithfully worked out at the gym three times per week up until the age of 91 at the start of the COVID pandemic. Most important to Gig, by far, was his family. He loved nothing better than to be surrounded by everyone telling stories of growing up on Peaks, and hearing about the adventures of family members. Gig was predeceased by his parents, his brothers infant John (1917), Daniel (1949), Richard (Dick, 1965), Lawrence (Larry, 1979), and sister, Margaret (Pat). He was predeceased by his wife Mary (Bowden), and infant son John who died in 1961. He also was predeceased by a brother-in-law Robert Loring who was like a brother to him. Gig is survived by his loving daughter Kelly Hasson, with whom he had an unbreakable bond, and her husband Nicholas Mavodones whom he adored. He also is survived by three dearly loved grandchildren: Nicholas Mavodones, III of Burlington, VT, Joseph (Emily) Mavodones of Cape Elizabeth, and Jillian Mavodones of Portland, and three beloved great-grandchildren Lydia, Jack, and Thea Mavodones of Cape Elizabeth who brought him so much laughter and joy. He also is survived by his sister Katherine (Kay) Loring of Falmouth and sister-in-law Christina (Tina) Smith of Durham, as well as several nieces and nephews whom all meant the world to him. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. John Reynolds MD, Dr. Paul Sweeney MD, Dr. Adam Rana MD, and the team at the Maine Medical Center Wound Center who provided Gig with exceptional care over the years. Special thanks, also, to his neighbors and friends at Breakwater Condominiums, and, of course, his favorite nurse Juanita MacDonald who provided unparalleled care and compassionate support. Gig had a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye that will never be forgotten, and his daughter was blessed with the best father imaginable. He would want everyone to live their very best life as he did. Visiting hours celebrating Gig’s life will be held on Monday, July 11 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland on Tuesday July 12 at 10:00 am. To view Gig’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. Please consider making a donation to one of the following or the charity of your choice in his name: Stephen G. Hasson Scholarship Southern Maine Community College South Portland, Maine 04106 The Center for Grieving Children 555 Forest Avenue Portland, ME 04101