Michael James Sass, Sr.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Friday July 10th from 4-7 PM. 

A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Saturday at 11 AM.

Michael James Sass, Sr. passed away peacefully last week surrounded by his family. He was 72 years old. Born on May 5, 1954 to Frank C. Sass and Clara Elizabeth (Betty) Sass (Fassbender).

Married November 23, 1985 to Mary Frances (Fran) Sass (Pepper). They shared five beautiful children, Dr. Tera N. Hetrick-Stein (Phil Stein), Andrea L. Sass (His Angel) (Casey Westermann), Jason W. Hetrick, Mark J. Sass (Jennifer) and Dr. Michael J Sass, Jr. (Kate). Michael's whole world was his grandchildren, Liam, Pepper, Maeve, Luke, Isaiah, Desmond, Kamran, Makenna, Kane, Mason, Rory, Maggie, Michael James III and Rylan.

Survived by his siblings, Dan Sass (Barbara), Betsy Barton (Bill), Kathy Williams (Jim). Predeceased by brother Frank Sass (Lisa). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Michael graduated from Kingston High School in 1972 with his study concentrated on being an electrician. He initially worked for Bill Glennon and then moved to the Kingston Fire Dept. as an alarm electrician in 1974. Michael also worked for his cousin, Jim Sass, at J. and J. Sass Electric. Michael was a licensed insurance agent. He worked for many years for his Father-in-Law , Sam S. Pepper, at St. John Insurance Agency. He was appointed firefighter status for KFD in 1986, which allowed him to do both jobs. In 1991, Michael purchased what became Michael J. Sass Fire Extinguisher Service. As President and CEO, he worked that business for 34 years with pride and integrity. As he slowed down in recent years, he had his son, Jason, taking over.

Michael being community minded and a people person, he took part in all he could. He was President of the Kingston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 461, from Feb. 1997 until May 2009. He was a member of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association, member and past President of The 50 Club, played softball with a family team sponsored by Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, umpired ASA and USSSA Umpire Association, served as Secretary of Kingston Softball Umpires Association, member and past President of the Thursday Night Hackers Golf League, member and past President of the Callabar Swim and Tennis Club, served on the Board of Directors for Wiltwyck Golf Club, and was also a member of the White Eagle Benevolent Association, Ancient Order of Hibernians and Sons of the American Legion.

Michael loved time with family and friends, playing sports, singing the oldies and listening to music. He and Fran have spent time in Aruba every year since their honeymoon. It was truly their "Happy Place" for 41 consecutive years. Aruba friends were held very close to his heart! Michael's most cherished trip was to the Outer Banks during the summer of 2023 that included all of his grandchildren, his true pride and joy. To all of his children and grandchildren, Mike will always be remembered as Popop, "The Champ".

Mike was very active in fundraising for the CAP'S Fund, a charity organization that helps families dealing with the complications of childhood cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Michael's memory to: CAP'S Fund, Inc. 30 Grand Street Kingston, NY 12401 https://capsfund.org/donation/