Obituary of Robert Y. Wassell

Robert Y. Wassell, age 99, of Wallingford went home to the Lord and his beloved wife Virginia (Penfield) Wassell on February 19, 2015 at Masonicare in Wallingford. Robert was born in Hartford on February 8, 1916 the son of George and Alice (York) Wassell. He was raised in Hartford throughout the Great Depression by his mother as his father passed away suddenly when he was four years old and he learned at a very early age what hard work meant and how important and beneficial the love of family truly was. He began his long professional working career soon after graduating from Weaver High School at the Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford working as a helper in the printing department and rose to become the General Foreman of the entire plant. He accomplished this by hard work, continually bettering himself through continued education and knowing the strength gained by having strong relationships with colleagues within one's industry. Robert became the President of the International Association of Printing House Craftsman and also served as Secretary/Treasurer for the New England District. He retired after 44 years at Travelers although he continued to work for another 12 years in the printing industry well into his 70's. Robert and Virginia lived and raised their children in Bloomfield where they resided for 37 years. They also lived in Killingworth and Colchester. Knowing the importance of faith and church Robert taught Sunday school for many years and also served a Deacon. Never forgetting his childhood he volunteered in ways that served the youth of his communities, whether it be leading a work experience program, being a Junior Achievement Advisor for two printing companies, an advisor to the West Hartford DeMolay, or coaching Little League Baseball. He was a member of the Killingworth Congregational Church, and the Hiram Lodge # 98 AF&AM in Bloomfield. Robert loved to travel and he and Virginia traveled to Europe several times, throughout the United States and enjoyed spending part of the year in Florida. He leaves his children, Jeffrey Y. Wassell and his wife Sally of Hebron, Carolyn W. Barnes and her husband Stephen of Colchester, his grandchildren, David Y. Barnes and his wife Pamela of Colchester, Nicole A. Wassell of Chicopee, MA and Chad S. Barnes of Lincoln, RI. Robert was predeceased by his brothers, George, William and Wilmot. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11th at 2:00PM in the Masonicare Chapel, 22 Masonic Avenue in Wallingford. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to the Killingworth Congregational Church Memorial Garden, 273 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419.