Joseph A. Sassi

1940 -2009

AUBURN – Joseph Andrew Sassi passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, after battling colon cancer for the last five years.

Joe was born on Jan. 22, 1940, in Rumford, to Constance Goodoff and Joseph M. Sassi. A 1958 graduate of Stephens High School, Joe earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Saint Dunstan’s University, Prince Edward Island, in 1963, and later a master of arts degree in English and Library Science from the University of Maine.

Joe’s passion for learning was a lifelong journey. He enjoyed trivia, working daily crossword puzzles and was seldom found without a good book in his hands.

For 46 years, Joe shared his heart, his love and his morning coffee with his high school sweetheart, best friend and wife, Brenda Anne MacDougall. Living together in Rumford where they raised three beautiful children, Joe taught English at SAD 43 in Mexico and later served as the librarian at Mountain Valley High School. After 37 years as an educator, Joe retired in 2000. Post-retirement he volunteered at St. Athanasius & St. John School, teaching computers to the students. In 2004, Joe became a proud grandfather and picked up the title of “Poppy” to his precious grandson, Liam. In his retirement, Joe treasured visits to New York City to visit his daughter, Jennifer, son-in-law, Jim, and grandson, Liam, and he beamed with pride when watching Jennifer perform as a standup comic

Joe’s life revolved around his family and friends and he was well-known for his cheerful spirit and uplifting nature. Most of all, Joe generously shared his passions in life with everyone around him. A lover of good music from all genres, eclectic beats flowed from his stereo, warming his home and providing the perfect melodies for every occasion. Always light on his feet, Joe was happiest when dancing with Brenda in his arms.

An avid cook proud of his Italian heritage, Joe was famous for his superb homemade Sassi spaghetti sauce, risotto and chicken wings. He also enjoyed fishing, travel, theater, photography, fantasy baseball and all variety of sports. A prominent member of the “Red Sox Nation,” Joe had the opportunity to hold the World Series trophy his beloved team won in 2004. He cherished attending live sporting events and discussing his favorite teams and players with his daughter, Kathleen. They possessed a strong bond through sports and a shared “love of the game.” As an amateur athlete, Joe achieved his dream of completing the Portland marathon in 1984. In the winter months, he carried on the Sassi family skiing tradition.

Joe served as the President of Chisholm Ski Club, on the board of directors at Black Mountain, coached at Mountain Valley High School and loved the peacefulness of the woods while cross-country skiing. Joe knew everyone in Rumford and was blessed with the gift of making all those he encountered feel special. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor. An eternal optimist, he never complained as he fought cancer for five years with courage, strength, dignity and faith.

Joe is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters Jennifer and Kathleen; son-in-law, Jim, and grandson, Liam. He also leaves behind a sister, Connie Shorey; a brother, Vincent Sassi; 10 nieces and nephews; and many grand-nieces and nephews.

Joe now joins his cherished son, Jonathon, who passed away in 1990; and his mother and father.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the oncology team at Rumford Hospital and Dr. Erickson, as well as all of the nurses and doctors who cared for Joe at CMMC and the Hospice House.