Albert Donald Fassett

If ever a life epitomized the lyrics of the song "My Way," with an ever-present injection of humor, it was that of Albert Donald "Don" Fassett. The beloved Harford County high school teacher/coach passed away of natural causes April 2, 2024, at Lorien Bel Air. He was 99. 

Born August 1, 1924, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, Don was the youngest of three children and only son of the late Samuel and Charlotte (nee Ross) Fassett.

 A graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Don spent the bulk of youth as a hardworking, entrepreneurial newspaper delivery boy. A member of the ever-vanishing "Great Generation," Don, a proud American, served in the Army as a supply sergeant during World War II and then interrupted his college education to join the Navy during the Korean Conflict. Following his Naval tour aboard the USS Smalley, he returned home to earn his undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg (PA) University. Riding the wave of young Pennsylvania educators heading to Maryland for gainful enjoyment. Don landed at North Harford High School, where he taught math and science and coached basketball. During his few years at NHHS, he began Harford County Public Schools' special education. curriculum. Wanting to coach football, Don transferred to Bel Air High School, where he served as an innovative special education teacher and junior varsity football and basketball coach for the Bobcats. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Loyola (MD) College and retired in 1985, after 31 years in the school system. In retirement, Don, a devout University of Maryland football and basketball fan, spent a short time as an athletic recruiter for Harford Community College. It was at BAHS, while riding on a bus with his jayvee basketball team, that he met his wife of now 50-plus years, the former Constance Whaley, who at the time was the cheerleading squad sponsor. Don and his wife were both inducted into the Harford County Educators Hall of Fame.

 In addition to his wife, Don is survived by a niece, Sheryl (Jerry) Rodzinak, three nephews Jim (Joyce) Kearns, Scott (Karin) Kearns and Rodney Smith. Also survived by step-niece Marylee Young and step- nephews Charles and Royce McHugh, along with many nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great- nephews.

 In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by sisters Betty Smith and June Kearns. Also, step- sister Esther McHugh.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's name to American Legion Harford Post 39, 500 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014 or Bel Air High School Athletic Booster Club, 100 Heighe Street, Bel Air, MD 21014.