This memory of Jerry Hassel '67 was extracted from a letter Dr. Clifford Larkins '67 wrote to Mr. Keith Sturdevant on August 6, 2007. You can read the letter below, or if you click on one of the links, you can read relevant information and hear Jerry sing as a sophomore and then as a HP community college freshman.
A note from Clifford Larkins '67
In memory of Jerry Hassel '67, Baritone.
Dear Keith,
I have enclosed an e-mail message from Aaron Hassel, choirmate, class of 1969, and brother of Jerry Hassel. It is a sweet letter, which I know you will enjoy reading, but it does contain some very sad news. One of our stars, Jerry Hassel, is dead. I learned this in a recent phone conversation with Aaron. Jerry died in 1994 from pneumonia, a complication of AIDS. This is a very great loss. He was so gifted and so young, only 44 years old when he died.
Aaron told me of Jerry’s undying love for music, which I am sure you helped to instill in him. He recalled a time when Jerry was being released from the hospital and Aaron was driving him home. But instead of going straight home, Jerry insisted on being driven to his church. He said, “There is a gospel concert at the church, and I have to attend.” Aaron pleaded with him to go straight home, but to no avail. Jerry was determined to attend that concert.
Jerry sat quietly with the congregation for as long as he could, but finally his patience ran out. He then rose, slowly walked to the stage, and took the microphone. His voice was weak at first, but then it gradually grew stronger. Within minutes, the magnificent baritone voice we all remember rose above the congregation and took hold of them. He went on and on, much longer than a sick man should have been able to endure. And as Aaron described the scene, the congregation rose to their feet singing and clapping: “he turned the place out”. Finally reduced to exhaustion, Jerry had to be helped back to his seat. However, his spirit buoyed the congregation and they left the church singing.
I think that those of us who knew Jerry as well as those who influenced him can be proud that we had the chance to touch and be touched by his magnificent voice.
Love,
Clifford
Hear clip of Jerry in sophomore year, 1965: "Who Is Sylvia?, by Franz Schubert
Hear clip of Jerry in community college, 1968: "Ave Maria", by Franz Schubert
Click here to read about the editing of the Ave Maria CD track. See paragraphs 4 & 5.