Ronald Alvin Hassell Obituary

Thank you all for honoring Ronald Hassell today. He is here with us and he is happy that you made it. A few days after his passing, I found myself in Dad's study, surrounded by memories, little pieces of him everywhere. He was quite sentimental. Though it was quiet, I could hear his favorite radio station, Jones College Radio, playing in my head.

If you looked and listened hard enough, you'd find that his entire story was there in that small room. The first thing that stands out is the wedding photo of him and Anita. Such big smiles, he had found love, a soul mate and rediscovered happiness! On the next wall is the bookcase filled with his life-long love of reading and knowledge.

Among his collection of hundreds of leather-bound books are his Eagle Scout certificate of completion along with the badge itself. He was twelve. One of the youngest to achieve the distinction. He was most proud. On another wall are his various commendation medals and achievement letters collected over a 26 year career in the US Cost Guard that he retired from with the rank of Captain.

Next to these are various reminders of his days at the Archdiocese of Miami, cigars with the Pope in Havanna. I found a copy of his first novel, along with research notes for his second, now left unfinished. I also found the Texas Instruments financial calculator that he used while VP of a regional bank and while an adjunct professor of Finance of the University of Miami.

Placed upon the piano that belonged to our grandparents are photos of those he has loved, and those that loved him. These were most treasured. I then came across this. This is Dad's tactical compass, acquired during his days at officer candidate school. It predates any of us children by at least 10 years. It helped a few of us get through some merit badges.

We all have memories of this little thing. I didn't bring it to show and tell, or to brag about one of his little trinkets, but more because I feel that this little gadget works as the perfect metaphor for what he meant to us. We all know how these work. If you ever find yourself off the path, maybe lost without any sense of direction or just requiring a little course adjustment, you can always find your bearing as long as you've got one of these in your pocket.

If I may speak for all of those that held him dearest, he was our compass. He was always there to help us maintain the proper bearing. He was a loving husband, father and grandpa. He was always there to offer a helping hand during tough times, provide life advice, offer guidance. He gave us all true, unconditional love. He was there to help us make sense of our mother's passing.

He was our rock and we are all so very very lucky. We are all incredibly proud of him. He was a good man, honorable, full of integrity. Although we can't reach out anymore like we used to, we know that our bearing will always be true with him watching from above. Whether he was your colleague, friend, commanding officer, loving husband, grandpa or Dad, thank you for being part of his life story and for being here today to help us wish him well on the rest of his journey.Jerry.

WilamowskiSo sorry for your loss, Anita.Randy. GurianI was proud to call Ron my friend since 1971 since we first met at the University of the Americas. He was a great family man and loyal to his friends. I would have visited him in the last year had it not been for the pandemic. I will remember him with a smile as we had some funny stories to talk about.Susan.

LoseyI met Ron in 1972 while we both worked at Southeast Bank in Miami. We became great friends and I learned about Kahlil Gibran, The Little Prince and so much more. We reconnected in 1999 and had some great talks and adventures together. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He had such a fierce love of his children and he accomplished great things.

I will always cherish my fond memories of time spent with him and his children. RIP!Francisco and Ángela BrizuelaDear Ron, May you Rest In Peace. You are an Angel in Heaven. God bless you always! We love you dear brother! Francisco and Ángela Ronald Alvin Hassell2021-06-24What else is there to say about someone who was wonderful, caring, funny, loyal to family and friends, and had the biggest heart?

How do you express all the love and how do you share the fun and memorable moments you had with him? For those who could both understand and appreciate his wit and sarcasm, Ronald Alvin Hassell was that person. Born on April 20th, 1943, Ron left this world unexpectedly on June 24th 2021. He was predeceased by his first wife Lourdes B. Hassell and his brother James Hassell.

He is survived by his wife Anita Hassell, his children Ingrid (Miguel Alfaro), George (Amber), Charles (Lucia), Patrick (Maggie) and his beloved grandchildren: Isabella, Liam, Gavin, Max, and Colin. Ron was born in Washington, DC, but spent most of his early life between Jacksonville and Miami, Florida. He retired to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he lived for the past 15 years.

He held a Masters Degree in International Business from The University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico, as well as his undergraduate degree from Jacksonville University. Ron had many significant achievements in his life as well. At the age of 11, he was the youngest Boy Scout to ever earn the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment he was most proud of.

He went on to serve in the US Coast Guard starting in 1966, where he served several years of active duty and ultimately retired from the reserves in 1992 with the rank of Captain. Ronald's professional career included working in the banking industry and as the Chief Administrative Officer for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Miami, Inc. Ron was infinitely curious and spent his life immersed in reading and learning, particularly regarding the history of the state of Florida.

This curiosity ultimately led to the writing of a book in 2019, as well as a second book he was in the midst of completing. His smile, humor and laughter were uniquely captivating and he will be forever missed by all that knew and loved him. Ronald's final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 9, 2021 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida.