Israel Isaac Kassman

Israel Isaac Kassman (Issy), 99, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 with his family by his side.  He is survived by his children: Raphael Kassman and his wife Carol of Windham and Delana Severs and her husband Mark of Orange; his grandchildren: Barry Severs and his wife Jennifer of Shelton, Eric Severs and his wife Wendy of Orange and Sarah Kassman of Windham; his great grandchildren: Payton, Isabella, Simon, Miri and Olivia.  He was predeceased by his wife Marion (Strong) Kassman; his brothers: Raphael, Morris, Jacob and Leonard and his grandson, Steven Severs.

Israel was born in Windham, CT and spent his early years working on his family’s poultry farm in Hebron, CT.  When he was old enough, he proudly joined the US Navy to serve his country during World War II.  He was a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Vulcan AR-5 which was one of the Navy’s historic repair vessels stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.  Israel earned an honorable discharge on April 18, 1946 and returned home to Connecticut where he settled and raised his family.  He and his business partner, Forbes Morrell, started their own auto repair shop in Willimantic called New England Automatic Transmission where he worked until his retirement.  He was an avid poker player, spending many nights with his friends at the Moose Lodge, he played Setback at many of the local senior centers, he enjoyed going to the casino to play Craps but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:00 am at Congregation Ahavath Achim, 84 Lebanon Ave, Colchester, CT 06415 followed by burial in Congregation Ahavath Achim Cemetery, Colchester, CT.

A Public Shiva will be held at Delana & Mark's house, 582 Lambert Rd, Orange, CT 06477 on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM and on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Memorial contributions in Israel’s memory may be made to: Disabled American Veterans Department of Connecticut, 80 Hall Avenue, Suite 801, Meriden, CT 06450 or American Legion Post #19, 339 Brick Top Rd, Windham, CT 06280.