Samuel I. Kassman, 87 years old, life-long resident of Columbia, CT, died of a brief, courageous battle with esophageal cancer on July 4, 2013. Born February 28, 1926 in Hartford, CT., son of late Max and Annie (Strauss) Kassman. Sam’s wife of 35 years, A. Marilyn (Merin) Kassman, predeceased him in 1985. He is survived by: his daughters, Robin Kassman-Jacobson (husband Mark) of New York City, and Lori Kassman (Heon) of Lebanon, CT; his loving grandchildren, Max and Allie Jacobson, and Montana Heon; sister-in-law, Shirley Kassman; and, nieces and nephews, Edward, Steven, and Abby Harned, Linda and Ray Topple. He also was predeceased by his brothers, Barney and Morris Kassman; in-laws, Sam and Rhesha Topple; and, son-in-law, Raymond Heon (November 19, 2012).

Sam attended the one-room schoolhouse on West Street, graduated from Windham High School (1943), and continued to complete the UCONN agricultural program. He was a member of the congregation Agudas Achim Synogogue in Columbia, Beckish Senior Center, Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, and 67-year member of the American Legion’s Post 19.

Sam was a proud Coast Guard Veteran during WWII on the USS Casper, later attending his military reunions all over the USA. Sam, a local entrepreneur in the 1940s-1960s, owned and operated local businesses: Texaco gas station in the Center of Columbia and the Lighthouse Restaurant at the intersection of Rt. 6 & Rt. 66. Sam retired after a 25-year stint at United Technologies.

His wit and sense of humor definitely will be remembered.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Barry and her staff for years of great care. Thanks also to Denise from the VNA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 26, Columbia, CT 06237. Kindly, please do not send flowers to the family.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the United Brethren of Hebron Synagogue, 10 Church St., Hebron, with Cantor Maran officiating. Interment will follow in the United Brethren of Hebron Cemetery, Mansfield. Arrangements entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Samuel, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm