Harold F. "Harry" Wassmann

Harold (Harry) Wassmann passed away peacefully on August 30, 2017 with family and friends by his side. A true Benician, Harry was born in the family home that his grandfather had built in 1899 and spent his whole life there. He was also a lifelong member of St. Dominic’s Parish. Harry was a civil service employee working at Travis Air Force Base for most of his career. He retired after over 40 years of service and began his second career preserving the history of Benicia. A founding member of both the Benicia Historical Society and the Benicia Historical Museum, he served as president of both organizations. Harry was also responsible for promoting the Memorial Day service at the Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery. He was proud of his town and its place in California history, and he was generous in sharing his knowledge with others. Harry’s other passion was his family: His devoted wife Diane, his son Greg Wassmann (David Gray) of San Jose, his daughter Catherine Joyner (Scott), and his beloved granddaughter Hannah Dreesbach, all of Helena, Montana. Harry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather – a kind and giving soul. His behavior exemplified the definition of a gentleman: he was a gentle man. He had an incredible gift for making people feel loved – even strangers. He particularly cherished his granddaughter, Hannah, who called him “Grandpa Daddy.” He blessed our lives with his presence and will be sorely missed by many. Harry had a sense of humor, even in his final weeks, which would make anyone smile. During every hospital stay, the hospital staff loved him because he was so entertaining. He was also a great story-teller. He gave us the gifts of laughter, love, gratitude, kindness, an appreciation of history and an example of strong faith in God. Shortly before he passed, with his entire family gathered around him, he expressed his love for his family, and his gratitude to God for all the blessings in his life. In all honesty, he was the one who was the blessing. The world is a better place, having been graced with his presence for nearly 99 years. He had a long life filled with love, and is finally at rest with the Lord. The following is a letter written by Hannah to her beloved grandfather: Grandpa, When you went, I imagine you went a butterfly – wings bathed in sunlight and half-remembered smiles. I imagine you left your body, a broken vessel collecting tears, and floated away… Gently rising upon God’s breath. Basking in the golden sun. And here, I think you paused to look back at those below. An acrobat balancing on a tight rope to heaven, on one side, your first life, and on the other, the next. Perhaps, in that moment, you still felt the soft leather grip of a warm hand in yours. Perhaps you heard the echo of voices. The voices of loved ones. The voices of memories. The good times, the bad. Perhaps you watched us - in our hope, in our grief - and smiled; a tired smile, full of things left unsaid. Full of hopes that the withered shell you left behind will not be how we remember you. Hopes that we will instead remember the brilliant colors of a beautiful life. But I think these things did not burden your heart as you stepped across the threshold of Heaven, for beyond that threshold, I know you found warm light and gentle love. Love from our hearts. Love from those waiting for you with open arms. I hear the voices of memories now. Gentle voices. Quiet. “Mail! Mail!” “Welcome to the Suzie Q Café.” “Go fish!” “Go to the bakery in town…” “Want a hot dog?” “The members of the Treble Club say hello.” “Beautiful glasswork…” “Where’s Pinochio’s nose?” “Now this used to belong to…” “I love you.” You once passed me a note from the front seat, playing that game of ours. Mail! It read, “Hannah, I can hug tighter than you.” I responded in blocky letters “no I can!!!” That makes me smile now. So thank you, Grandpa. My Grandpa Daddy. Thank you for everything you gave me. The love, the laughter, the wonder. I love you. Now and forever. Yours truly, Hannah A vigil will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at St. Dominic’s Church at 12 noon on Saturday, September 30, 2017, to be followed by internment at St. Dominic’s Cemetery.

Harold F. "Harry" Wassmann

January 12, 1919 - August 30, 2017