Robert G. Hasson, Sr.

December 10, 1927 ~ November 18, 2014
South Portland- Robert G. Hasson Sr., 86, of South Portland, died November 18, 2014 at Mercy Hospital following a long illness. He was born in Portland a son of James J. and Louise M. Nugent Hasson. Robert was a 1945 graduate of Cheverus High School. Following high school he served in the Army during the end of World War II. After the war he returned to school and was a 1951 graduate of St. Michaels College in Colchester, VT. Robert earned his Masters in Education at Boston University and later continued his studies at Rutgers University and Wesleyan University. In 1953 he married the former Genevieve Irene Houston. In 1959 a tragic fire in their home claimed her life and three of their children. In 1964 he married the former Sally M. Norton, who predeceased Robert in 1991. A lifelong educator, Robert began his teaching career at Paris High School. He later accepted a position as math teacher in South Portland, where he taught for over 30 years. He was a member of the Maine Teachers Association where he served on the Executive Board. For many summers Robert worked for the Maine Youth Center in South Portland and later at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. Through his teaching and tutoring he supported countless students. A lifelong fan of athletics, Robert served as a coach for basketball and baseball teams for many years. He especially loved watching his grandchildren play numerous sports. Each of them enjoyed competing; knowing Noonie was on the sidelines cheering them on. He loved the ocean and passed on the fine art of body surfing to his children and grandchildren. He also completed many mystery novels and crossword puzzles in the shadows of Bug Light. Robert was a longtime active communicant of Holy Cross Church and served on both the Parish Council and the Holy Cross School Board. Over the years he was an effective fundraiser for Catholic Charities of Maine. Robert was predeceased by his wife Genevieve; his wife Sally; three children - Mary Martha Hasson, Paul Hasson and infant Kate Hasson; and brother James J. Hasson Jr. Robert is survived by longtime companion, Joanne Coyne of South Portland; four sons, James M. Hasson and partner Beverly Nixon Johnson of South Portland; Robert G. Hasson Jr. and wife Susan of South Portland; Stephen A. Hasson and partner Sue Carr of Lewiston; Christopher D. Hasson and wife Lynne of South Portland; daughter-in-law Theresa Hasson of South Portland; 10 grandchildren, Meghan Genevieve Hasson-OKeefe, Robert G. Hasson III, Rebecca E. Hasson, Connor N. Hasson, Amanda M. Hasson, Abigail L. Hasson, Madeline S. Hasson, Riley C. Hasson, Amy Johnson and Rebecca Johnson Gauvin; and great granddaughter Genevieve Ellen Hasson-OKeefe. Visiting hours will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, November 21st at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, November 22nd at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roberts memory may be made to Holy Cross School, 436 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04106; Cheverus High School, 267 Ocean Ave., Portland, Maine 04103 or St. Michaels General Scholarship Fund 1 Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439.
Chris, Lynne and family,So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to all
– Lori
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Bob Hasson for your loss. Mr. Hasson was a beloved math teacher because he taught so much more than subject matter. Who else could make doing problems in Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 interesting? He cared, he had a sense of humor, and he encouraged everyone to do their best. All those lessons have stayed with me since 1957 and 1958.
– Mary-Jane Robichaud
I would like to express my condolences at this time to your family. The Bible is a great source of encouragement at times like this. A comforting thought is at Revelation 21:3,4, where it states “…And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry be anymore the former things have past away”. This scripture gives us hope for the future! You can also find comfort in Acts 24:15 – Death does not end it all. May Jehovah God bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. (Ps.46:1)
– S.Rubio
So Sorry to hear about Noonies passing. Your family is in our hearts and prayers.
– The Rickers
Mr. Hasson was our 8th grade math teacher in South Portland. He was my favorite, he made math fun, and he was fun. He made jokes about Cocoa Puffs, even as we knew he had lost his wife and children, a great tragedy I cannot imagine how he survived. He was a wonderful teacher and a positive influence on our whole class, it makes me smile to remember him.
– Susan Orbeton Gilpin
Big Jim and family….our sincere condolences to you on the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow…..Thurston and Sue
– Tim Hassett & Sue Cole
Dear Jim, Bob, Steve, Chris, and all your lovely families,My condolences for such an immeasurable loss. Uncle Bobby was such an important and wonderful influence in my life and I loved him dearly. He always had time for me when I was young and Mom and I would stop by for a visit. He took the time to show me a game or puzzle, or to show me something on the Apple I (egads!), or just to joke and chat. He always called me “May” which I loved, and despite my shy awkwardness, he magically managed to make me feel comfortable and accepted. I just thought he was the coolest guy ever and that never went away for me even as an adult. I saw him last at my dad’s funeral. It was so good to give him a hug again! He also met my 3 oldest kids. He showed them a trick and made a great impression on them in a stressful time. He is the best example I think of when I think of an excellent teacher and a real gentleman. He was so kind and inspiring in spite of so much personal suffering. I’m so lucky to have been a part of his family. Sending my love to you all during this difficult time of mourning. Mary Maloney (Jensen)
– Mary Maloney