John B. Hassett

John B. Hassett, age 67, of Manteno passed away Thursday, August 27, 2020 at his home. He was born May 1, 1953 in Kankakee, the son of Bernard John & Mary (Kassman) Hassett. John married Lisa Ravens on August 20, 2016 in Manteno. John grew up near the Kankakee River State Park. As a boy, he explored the former Potawatomi village nearby. He was impressed with their local contributions and burial mound and studied Potawatomi history throughout his life. He attended Bourbonnais schools, and graduated from Northern Illinois University. He taught science full time at Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School and part time at Kankakee Community College. As a young man, he lived in the former Altorf one room schoolhouse where he was a student in the 1950’s and 1960’s. When John retired, he became a master gardener, master naturalist, KCC Lifelong Learning Institute Board Member (and teacher of many LLI courses), and life member and treasurer of the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society. He was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Manteno and owner of a painting business. John traveled the nation and world extensively and taught many travelogues. He was always educating himself as an avid reader and taking classes for personal enrichment. He was a motivator of others to pursue education, donate to the community, and travel. John enjoyed cruising, new cuisines, golfing, bowling, learning to play the piano, astronomy, watching PBS, BBC, and comedy shows. He found humor in everything. He was upbeat and happy, a colorful raconteur, and always said “thank you” at the end of a conversation. John was devoted to his wife, family, and friends. He impressed on everyone the importance of giving to others and personally contributed to many charitable organizations. Surviving are his wife, Lisa Hassett of Manteno; two sisters, Bette Hardesty (Rick Hedin) of Lake Mary, FL and Carla (Gary) Papineau of Kankakee; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John & Virginia Ravens; special sister-in-law, Georgann Butterfield; nieces and nephews, John Hardesty, Jeanne Hardesty, Julie Hardesty, and Leann Mikeska; and two great-nephews, Ryder Mikeska and Hudson Mikeska. John is preceded in death by his first wife, Diane Hatch Hassett and his parents. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the 1 p.m. memorial service on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Manteno. Per CDC guidelines, please observe all mask and social distancing guidelines. Inurnment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Manteno. Memorials may be made to the family wishes.

John B. Hassett

May 1, 1953 - August 27, 2020