Robert G. Hasson, Sr. Obituary (1927 - 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.