Alan Hassman dies at 77

Alan Hassman, 77, of Camp Hill, Pa., and Big Sky, Mont., died unexpectedly on Sunday Nov. 27, 2016 at the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa.Born on November 2, 1939 in Hew Hampton, he was the son of the late Elmer and Ina (Zierath) Hassman.Alan served in the National Guard, and was a graduate of Wartburg College, Waverly, where he studied business and became an all-state wrestler.  He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill.Al is best remembered by those who knew him as a man who lived life to its fullest.  Most comfortable in jeans and well-worn cowboy boots, he was a striking man with loads of charisma.  You knew when he was close, by his unmistakable and unabashed laugh that could fill any room.  He had a big personality and was always ready with one of his (in)famous jokes.  He had incredible stamina and he believed that anything was possible through hard work. Al was selfless and gave much of himself.  It gave him great pleasure to be the one who could bring joy to others. Despite his many business successes with McDonald’s, Metro Bank, Dame Media, hotels and others, he maintained a child-like curiosity for the world.  He was happiest helping Alex with a construction project or mowing the fields around Alison’s house.  As much as he gave to others, he gave the most to his family, and particularly his grandchildren who became the center of his universe.Alan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria (Arnold) Hassman, of Camp Hill, Pa., daughter, Alison Hassman Ballantine and her husband Peter, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., son Alex Hassman and his wife Suzanne Samardich, of Big Sky, Mont., five grandchildren, Sally, Eleanor, and Axel Ballantine, Kjetil and Wren Hassman, and a sister, Dixie Abbas, Plainfield.A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday Dec. 5, 2016 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill, Pa.  17011, with Pastor Nancy Easton and Pastor Mark Huggenvik officiating.  The family will receive friends in the church, during lunch, immediately following the service.In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Harrisburg Academy, 10 Erford Rd., Wormleysburg, Pa.  17043, or to Big Sky Discovery Academy, PO Box 161548, Big Sky, Mont. 59716.  Myers-Harner Funeral & Cremation Services, Camp Hill, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.  www.myers-harner.com