William James "Bill" "Buzz" Hassett

William James “Bill” “Buzz” Hassett

January 3, 1943 - March 8, 2024

William James “Bill” “Buzz” Hassett, age 81, of Monroe, passed away peacefully in his home  Friday morning, March 8, 2024 with his loving family at his side.

Born January 3, 1943 in Detroit, he was the son of the late William F. and Mary E. (O’Brien) Hassett.  Bill was a 1961 graduate of Holy Redeemer Catholic School and very proud of his Southwest Detroit roots.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and continued his education at Wayne State University Law School, and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1969.

He married the love of his life, Mary Lou (Baldwin) Hassett in 1968. 

Bill began working in Monroe County in 1980, opening his business, Hassett Title Company, Inc. in 1988 with the help of his wife Mary Lou.  He was proud to have worked with his two sons and serving Monroe and surrounding communities for 44 years.  Loving his job, he never retired.

A past president of the Monroe County Bar Association, Bill was awarded the 50 Year Lawyer Award from the Monroe County Bar.  He was a member and past president of the Downtown Monroe Kiwanis Club.  He also sat on the board of numerous Monroe County charitable organizations and was a member of St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe where he served as a lector. 

Bill was a mentor and a shoulder to lean on for many, always available to offer advice or an encouraging word.  He would say his greatest accomplishment was his love for his wife Mary Lou and his dedication to his sons Doug, Dan and their families.

To cherish his memory, Bill leaves his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Hassett; two sons, Douglas (Michelle) Hassett of Monroe and Daniel (Trisha) Hassett of Trenton; one brother, Thomas (Mary) Hassett; one sister, Marianne Stewart; four grandchildren: Ethan, Owen, Max and Amelia along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 2p.m. until 8 p.m. at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Road, Monroe, Michigan 48161, where a scripture service will be held at 5 p.m.  Deacon Mike Stewart will officiate.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 11 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory are suggested to your favorite charity.

 Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.