May 15, 1954 – December 2, 2024
Richard Sasson (70) passed peacefully on December 2, 2024, with his family at his side. Born May 15, 1954 to John and Ragnhild Sasson, Richard lived his rambunctious young life with his two older brothers in Brooklyn, NY along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends nearby. He spent summers in a cottage at Lake Hopatcong, NJ where he had his first job as lifeguard, which he claimed was the best job he ever had – “It was all downhill from there”.
Richard graduated from Brooklyn Tech HS in 1972 and Cornell University with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1976. While at University, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (forging friendships that he enjoyed all his life), and captain of the water polo team (all Eastern 1976).
After graduation, he worked for ICI America’s in Wilmington Delaware, Houston Texas and Baton Rouge Louisiana. He was a licensed Professional Engineer and earned a MBA in finance from UH Clear Lake. While in Houston, he met the love of his life, Deborah King and was married in 1983. Richard worked at Coastal Corporation, Nye Engineering, Parsons Engineering and his last 15 years at Chevron Corporation where he retired in 2020 as Global Technical Authority of Process Design. His professional life was characterized by his love for designing optimum efficiency oil and chemical facilities while mentoring younger engineers. From mid-1980 until 2003, he enjoyed playing with various water polo clubs adding to his list of good friends. One of the highlights of Richard and Deborah’s life together was working near London England for 3+ years where one of their children graduated High school. In his last years he served the City of Friendswood as vice-chairman of the Planning and Zoning Dept.
Richard received his cancer diagnosis in May 2021 with a one-year life expectancy. He was astonished by the support he received from friends from childhood, college, early work years, water polo teammates, neighbors, Chevron associates, the Friends Church companions, Friendswood city associates and, of course, family. There were so many routine lunches scheduled during much of the chemo treatment that he gained weight. He especially appreciated the support from his two best friends, Mike Foreman and Joe Matranga who dutifully required him to walk with them to breakfast every morning. Richard credited this support for amazing the doctors with his longevity.
Richard is survived by his wife, Deborah, his three children Colleen Williams, Kristin Sasson and John Sasson, his three grandchildren Harrison, Richard and Caitlin Williams, his great-grandson Kingsley, his older brother Steven, and his brother-in-law Irven King. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Ragnhild Sasson, his eldest brother John and his brother-in-law Alan King.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 with Rev. Joshua Bunce officiating. Interment will follow at Friendswood Friends Cemetery in Friendswood, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or online at www.mdanderson.org/gifts or do something nice for your kids. The family wishes to thank MD Anderson for all the incredible care they gave Richard during the final years of Richard’s amazing life. Enjoy every sandwich!!
8 thoughts on “Richard Paul Sasson”
Rich was a gentle giant and a best friend to me and my family for forty plus years! We have countless experiences and beautiful memories made over these years, lots of delicious meals shared, tons of laughter and always Rich’s dry humor! I love you my friend and your beautiful family dearly! I thank you for your precious love…. I will miss you at our family gatherings, but rest assured…” knowing that we will continue to talk about you!” I have a grateful heart that our lives have shared so many beautiful blessings! Love you forever! 💗Nance
Richard was special in many ways. Firstly he was a devoted family man and man of his. His brilliant wit revealed his intelligence and clever perspectives. He was great with people and kind to strangers and all he met. No wonder he left a lasting impression with all he met!
Indeed, Richard did life well and his joyful spirit will live on in heaven.
Rarely do you find a man with such a keen mind, open heart and gentle spirit who has a fire for continued learning and growth. Thank you for being a fine example and friend
I am totally devastated by Tim’s passing. We grew up together as neighbors in Lake Hopatcong, both born in 1954 as members of the Vikings swim team and later as State lifeguards. We shared similar sense of humor and lifelong Yankee fans. I still remember when we went to a ski trip to Vermont in Burlington and happened to catch a charity concert with Harry Chaplin who happily wrote my sister a happy birthday autograph. I will always remember his his big brother John tossing my boys around to their delight and playing center during our many nights playing basketball in Denville.
The highest tribute to the loss of my friend Richard of many years is not grief but gratitude. Richard’s passing leaves me with heartache no one can heal, his friendship leaves a memory no one can steal. I miss you my friend.
Life will not be quite as fun without Richard. I will miss his smile, humor, wit, intelligence and frankness. I’ll see you on the other side, my friend.
We’ve known Richard for several decades but his wit and humor remained the same, even during the last tough years. He was a man of principle and someone to be admired. We were lucky to have known him. He loved his family deeply and we pray that their grief will be mitigated by knowing that he is in heaven and in good Hands.
I am so very sorry about Richard I knew him through Deborah who is a very good friend. I thought his service was so touching and so Richard and Deborah GOD Bless each one of the family.