Otto Hassig Obituary

Otto Hassig

Mt. Pleasant - Otto Hassig, age 95, went home to his Lord and Savior on 1/23/26, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in 1930 in the village of Schänis-Maseltrangen, Switzerland. At age 15 he left his home to become a baker's apprentice, achieving the distinction of Master Pastry Chef, a profession which brought joy to so many people throughout his life. Always an adventurer, he came to America in 1954 at the age of 23, aboard the Queen Mary with "$10 in his wallet and everything he owned on his back." After already having served in the Swiss Army, he joined the US Army at age 24 and was stationed in France. While in the army he married Mia (Beilmann) in 1956, his devoted wife of 51 years.

Otto was an entrepreneur. He opened his first bakery, the Swiss Pastry, in Norwalk, Connecticut. He later opened another bakery in Ridgefield Ct, called the Les Alps. In 1973, he traded making gingerbread houses for building real homes as well as the first professional complex in Southbury, Ct. His building and business skills were entirely self-taught. He was also a crafter and loved to make furniture which he adorned with hearts and flowers in the traditional Swiss fashion.

In the late 80's Otto and Mia left Ct. and relocated to various areas including Ocean Village FL, Banner Elk, NC, Keowee Key SC, and finally resided in Port St Lucie West FL.

Otto loved to sing and yodel, which he did at any opportunity with unbridled joy and enthusiasm. He was an excellent skier, spending several years as a ski patroller at Haystack Mountain, and at his beloved ski chalet in VT. Otto loved boating and water skiing, in his later years, he and Mia took up tennis and which they truly enjoyed. A true Swiss, he loved to play cards. He was a wonderful storyteller and had a quick wit, and always had a joke on hand.

Otto was preceded in death by his wife, Mia and sisters Gertrude, Olga and Adelheid. He leaves his children, Angelo (Susan Davis) and Sindy (Bob Rubin); grandchildren, Nicholas, Tyler, Matthew, Carson, and Julia; and great grandchildren, Carter, Blair, and Mia. He was affectionally known as "Opa" by his grandchildren and "Gigi" by his greats. He also leaves behind a Beloved friend Jan Huntington.

Otto spent the last 6 1/2 years living at the Palms of Mount Pleasant, SC where family was nearby to visit daily. We want to thank the Palms staff for their love and care of our father. He was such a joy to be with and loved by all.

A celebration of life will be held at The Palms of Mount Pleasant 937 Bowman Road. on 2/20 at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to Saint Jude Children's Hospital.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.