David was born to Lt. Col. David S. Hasson and Audrey Pauline Leber Hasson. He was born disabled at a time when such disabilities were poorly understood and poorly supported. He attended the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, another school in Northfield, MN, and then St. Coletta School in Jefferson, WI until the age of 18. From then he lived in Belleville, Illinois with his mother until her death in February, 1998, and then independently. He worked for 25 years at the Olive Garden Restaurant, volunteered at Lighthouse for the Blind, and was active with LINC and Seeds of Hope.
Most recently he was a beloved resident at the Atrium in Belleville where he continued to be in regular attendance at Mass at St. Augustine of Canterbury, until recently bowled weekly, loved going to the Muni Opera, and was an avid follower of his St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals. He loved jazz, musical theater, and movies.
David is survived by his brother, Kirke (Nancy) Hasson;
his former sister-in-law, Nancy Lyons of San Diego, CA, who was also his devoted guardian;
his nephew, Michael Hasson;
his niece, Kathryn Hasson of Sausalito, CA;
extended Sawyer family members who loved him dearly;
and an aunt, Dorothy Leber of Houston, TX.
In the Belleville community, Rick was loved and supported by his cousins in the Culbertson family; Roy and Connie Culbertson, Janet and Pat Lenz, Nancy and Bob Eilermann, Mike (Beth) Lenz, Jane (Brian) Gaskill, and Ryan, Courtney, Patrick, Kari and Celendra. Many local friends were a tremendous support to Rick over the years.
His continuous good humor and optimism brought us much joy. We miss him.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2019 at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 18, 2019, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 18, 2019, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Belleville, IL.