Prospect-Mr. Walter Benjamin Hassell, 74, passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on March 7, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. Walter and his wife Arlene, of Prospect, formerly of Monroe and Seymour, recently celebrated their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary by renewing their wedding vows. Mr. Hassell was born in the Bronx, NY, on April 15, 1935, son of Mary Hassell currently residing in Palm Bay, FL, and the late Herbert Hassell of Bridgeport. He was a graduate of Fairfield Prep High School, Western Connecticut State University, and received his Master's degree from Fairfield University. He also served in the National Guard. Mr. Hassell was a teacher in Bridgeport for twelve years, and then later in the Newtown Middle School until retirement in 1995. In addition, he worked part-time at Maraczi's-Duchess Restaurant in Bridgeport. He was an avid golfer and loved all sports especially UCONN basketball. He enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Sarasota, FL, where he made many friends. Mr. Hassell is survived by his wife Arlene Grayek Hassell of Prospect; three daughters, Debra Hassell of Torrington, Sheryl Socha and her husband Edward of Beacon Falls, Michelle Kuba of Naugatuck; three grandsons, Daniel and Thomas Socha and Micheal Kuba; his brother Herbert Hassell and his wife Patricia and their grandson Ryan of Barefoot Bay, FL, and his nephew David Hassell of Fairfield, CT a sister in law Shirley Gallagher of Sarasots, FL, nephews Stendahl and Jason McLeod of Woodbury, and niece Laurie McLeod of St. Thomas, V.I. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Vitas Innovative Hospice Care for all their wonderful and caring services. The memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 -6:30 p.m. with the memorial service at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 26 Waterbury Rd (Rt. 69) Prospect. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at the Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield in May. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contibutions may be made to: Prospect Senior Center, 6 Center Street, Prospect, CT 06712, with memo: In Memory of Walter Hassell.