Obituary of Gordon W. Hassenplug

After a fulfilling and joyful life, Gordon Hassenplug passed away at age 89 on April 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Gordon grew up in Braddock, PA, the son of Harold and Margaret Hassenplug. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia (Chocklan) and his five children: Beth (Pete) Langenhorst; Mary (Mary Baron) Hassenplug; Carol (Gary) Tucker; Gordon (Kim) Hassenplug; Janet (Jeff) Crane. Loving grandfather of 12 grandchildren: Julie (Colton) Nielsen, Jack (Camila) Langenhorst, Steven (Tyler) Langenhorst; Brian (Caitlin) Tucker, Kevin (Natalie) Tucker, Gregory (Patrick Bagley) Tucker; Paige, Trevor, and Grace Hassenplug; Audra, Noelle, and Jillian Crane. Proud great-grandfather of 12 with two on the way. Uncle of Kristen Stubenraugh, Michael Chocklan, and Sparky Hassenplug. Gordon is predeceased by his parents, his brother Raymond, and sister Raenelle. 

Growing up in Braddock, Gordon was a star athlete, a scholar, and the student conductor of the Marching Band. He was proud to be invited to try out with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where an injury (and a back-up named Bill Mazeroski!) derailed that path. While serving in the US Army Reserves, he began his professional career at Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Division where he met Pat, the love of his life. After attending the University of Pittsburgh, Gordon and his growing family moved to Erie, PA. He continued his studies, graduating from Gannon University. Gordon was a highly regarded employee for American Sterilizer Company (AMSCO), later known as Steris, achieving numerous sales records and national awards. He set an inspiring example for his children of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication.

In 1978, Gordon and his family moved to Denville, NJ, where he embraced his new community, coaching baseball, chairing the Recreation Committee, and becoming a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus #3359 through St. Mary’s Church. Gordon enjoyed volunteering in Denville, chairing the St. Clare’s Harvest Festival with Pat and receiving the Mini-Bowl Award for a lifetime of volunteer service. 

Gordon was a Sports Fan Extraordinaire! He loved following the Seton Hall Pirates and running the March Madness basketball pool. He waved his Terrible Towel proudly for his football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gordon loved Hub Lakes softball, pick-up basketball, and cycling – he biked through Austria, Hungary, and the Dolomites of Italy, and competed in the Senior Olympics, winning his age category. He joined his daughters on adventures riding from New York to Boston and participated in the Causeway Challenge down the shore. Gordon and Pat enjoyed traveling the world. They took numerous Viking River cruises and visited children and grandchildren across the country.

But Gordon’s proudest moments always revolved around his family: coaching his son and daughters in baseball and softball; swimming in and later walking the ice-covered Lake Erie; teaching his grandsons to play chess; making googly eyes with his granddaughters; cheering at many soccer games, gymnastic and track meets, and graduations. He loved the ocean, living “down the shore” for almost ten years before moving back to Morris County. All his life choices were guided by his commitment to his family and his love for Pat. He lived life to the fullest; he laughed until he cried; he was a kind and gentle man. He will be profoundly missed by those he leaves behind.   

Visitation will be held at Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville, NJ, on Thursday, April 23, from 3:00-7:00 PM with a vigil and Knights of Columbus service at 6:15 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Denville on Friday, April 24, at 10:00 AM. If you are unable to join us in person for Mass, please click this link to view the livestream, which will also allow you to watch the service as a video later on!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Joey Bella Memorial Fund, to St. Mary’s Church in Denville, or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. If possible, to ensure the family is notified of your doantion, please include the email 59queenking@gmail.com in the contact line.