SEBASTIAN – Dr. John J. Fassinger, 86, of Neshannock Township, passed away the morning of October 7, 2018 at his residence. Born in New Castle on August 29, 1932, Dr. Fassinger was the son of the late Walter and Dorothea Berkmiller Fassinger.
Preceding him in death on December 8, 2012 is his beloved wife, the former Lenore H. Hodder, whom he married on October 25, 1964.
He attended Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church. Dr. Fassinger served his country and was a veteran of the U. S. Army. Dr. Fassinger, a Maxillofacial Surgeon, had local offices in both New Castle and Ellwood City for many years until his retirement. He was a graduate of Geneva College and earned his M.S. and D.D.S. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Fassinger was a member of the International Organization of Oral Surgeons and upon retirement, he had taken missionary trips to Bolivia to perform oral surgery on the less fortunate. Dr. Fassinger was known as a renaissance man with his thirst for knowledge and the outdoors.
As a nature lover, he enjoyed canoeing and kayaking and had even kayaked through the Florida Everglades. Dr. Fassinger loved spending time at his cabin which he built in Volant and walking trails. He also enjoyed his time at Cook’s Forest and backpacking the hiking trails. His love of reading became his passion as well as photography.
Dr. Fassinger was a member of the New Castle Photography Club, New Castle Lion’s Club, Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts and the New Castle Country Club.
He is survived by his daughter, Holly Poniewaz and her husband Michael of Las Vegas, NV, his two grandchildren, Gracen Layne Poniewaz and Logan James Poniewaz and will be sadly missed by his dog, Khaleesi.
In addition to his parents and wife, Dr. Fassinger is preceded in death by his son, John J. Fassinger, II. Visitation is Thursday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd followed by a service at 1:00 PM conducted by Pastor Aaron Christy of Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church.
Burial will take place at Castle View Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be mailed to the New Castle Area Public Library 270 E. North St. New Castle, PA 16101 or by visiting their website at www.ncdlc.org. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.decarbofuneralhomes.com.
