John W. Vassel Jr's Obituary
John William Vassel, Jr. boarded a train to Heaven on May 14 , 2018. His train was met at its celestial destination by his beloved parents, Carolyn and John Vassel., and many of his toy train collector friends.
John was born in Greensboro, Pa. in 1931. He graduated from Indiana State University and then left Pennsylvania to join his parents in Crystal Beach, Florida, where they relocated in 1952. After serving in the Air Force for four years, John was hired by Michael Bennett to teach chemistry in the science department at St. Petersburg Junior College. He was a popular instructor who won numerous National Science Foundation awards for advanced study.
In February of 1962, John was working on his doctorate at Florida State University when he met Eleanor Herder, an FSU sophomore working on a degree in English Education. They were introduced by a mutual friend and after a brief courtship Eleanor and John married in August of the same year. They welcomed a son, John Arthur Vassel, in 1969.
When the Clearwater Campus of St. Petersburg Junior College opened in 1965, John William was its first Director of Admissions. He retired from SPJC in 1983 and devoted his retirement years to collecting and meticulously restoring pre War Lionel trains. A long time member of the Train Collectors Association, John enjoyed the friendships of many collectors who also shared his passion for the hobby.
The family honors John’s wish not to have a funeral service. Arrangements will be private. They would also like to thank Dr. Stanton Tripodis for his excellent care during John’s illness and to the staff of the Suncoast Hospice in Palm Harbor for their tender and compassionate care of John in his final weeks.
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