Joseph D. Hassett

Joseph D. Hassett, formerly of Roslyn Heights, N.Y., died Saturday morning at home in Clarks Summit following an illness.

His wife of 41 years is Irene D. Hassatt, Ph.D, the former Irene D. Popovich.

Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary Healy Hassett. In 1986, he retired as vice president of human resources, Northville Industries Corp., Melville, Long Island, N.Y. He was the director of counseling and psychological services of Pace University from 1971 to 1978, as well as adjunct associate professor of behavioral sciences applied to management in the Pace University Graduate School of Business. From 1966 to 1969, he was associate professor of philosophy, University of New Mexico, and from 1952 to 1966, he was chairman of the department of philosophy, Fordham University School of Education. He lectured on jurisprudence in the Fordham University Law School from 1954 to 1959 and was on the Editorial Advisory Board of Thought from 1957 to 1966. He was named Teacher of the Year at Fordham University in 1959 and at the University of New Mexico in 1968.

Professor Hassett was educated by the Christian Brothers in elementary school and graduated from Regis Hiqh School, New York City. His undergraduate and graduate studies were at Fordham University, Georgetown University and at Laval University, Quebec, Canada. He valued deeply his education by the Jesuits. His life as an educator, mentor, counselor, author, environmentalist and consultant provided the rich experiences to the many who were fortunate to interact with him. He was esteemed by family, students, colleagues, business associates and friends and he was sought out for being a well-read, thought-provoking intellectual with diverse interests in education, the humanities, art and the business worlds. As executive director of the Environmental Defense Fund for two years, he was involved in preparing the legal briefs that resulted in landmark decisions that helped stop the spraying of DDT insecticide on Long Island, N.Y., the pollution caus ed by the paper-pulp mills in Missoula, Mont., the contamination of salmon in the Great Lakes, etc. After retirement, he developed a passionate interest in bird watching. He relocated to the Abington area in 1994 to be closer to the family homestead of his beloved wife.

Professor Hassett had deep faith, profound wisdom, a light-hearted sense of humor with concern for the totality of his fellow man's well-being. His continuing awareness of God's order in nature formed his deep appreciation of the human person, and of our responsibility as humans for using the earth's resources. He left our world a better place and we are grateful.

In life, he delighted in the responsible personal choices made by this younger generation and in their remarkable achievements.

Surviving are a sister, Betty Lucas, North Salem, N.Y.; and a number of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas, James and John; and four sisters, Grace, Anna Fane, Marion Carty and Genevieve Besuchemin.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Snows Church, Clarks Summit, 18411; to the donor's favorite charity, to Fordham University, or to the Josephites, 1130 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202-3802.

Funeral arrangements are private by the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.