Otto Joseph Hassig
Otto Joseph Hassig, 95, died on January 23, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in 1930 in the village of Schänis-Maseltrangen, Switzerland. At age 15 he left his home to become a baker’s apprentice, achieving the distinction of Master Pastry Chef, a profession which brought joy to so many people throughout his life. He served in the Swiss Army then, always an adventurer, came to America in 1954 at age 23. He sailed aboard theQueen Mary, with “$10 in his pocket and everything he owned on his back.” He served in the US Army, and while stationed in France married Mia (Beilmann), his devoted wife of 51 years.
Otto was an entrepreneur and keen businessman who owned two acclaimed bakeries, The Swiss Pastry and Les Alps, both in Connecticut. At Christmas, he would create a beautiful gingerbread village and donate it to a local children’s hospital. At Easter, he crafted an elaborate chocolate village and did the same.
When he was 43, he began a new career of building beautiful custom homes, including the first professional complex in Southbury, CT. His construction and business skills were entirely self-taught. He was a crafter and made custom furniture, which he adorned with hearts and flowers in the traditional Swiss fashion. Otto loved to sing and yodel, which he did at any opportunity, with unbridled joy and enthusiasm. He was passionate about skiing and spent several years as a ski patroller at Haystack Mountain, Wilmington, VT, and any time he could at his treasured chalet in Wilmington. Otto loved boating and water skiing and especially getting people up on water skis. In his later years, he and Mia took up tennis and really enjoyed this. A true Swiss, you could not keep him away from a card game. He was an engaging storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor, and always had a joke on hand.
Otto was preceded in death by his wife, Mia, and sisters Gertrude, Olga and Adelheid. He leaves his children, Angelo (Susan Davis) and Sindy (Bob Rubin); grandchildren, Nicholas, Tyler, Matthew, Carson, and Julia; and great-grandchildren, Carter, Blair, and Mia. He was affectionately known as “Opa” by his grandchildren and “Gigi” by his greats. He also leaves behind a beloved friend, Janice Huntington. Otto spent his final years at The Palms of Mount Pleasant, where family was nearby to visit daily. He was such a joy to be with and loved by all. Always looking on the positive side, he wholly believed that “love makes the world go round." Otto was a true humanitarian who was open and accepting of everyone and considered all viewpoints.
A celebration of life will be held at The Palms of Mount Pleasant on Friday, February 20. In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, his favorite charity. When you are out on the mountain, please think of Otto and take a run with him. He is sure to yodel for you.
