John Edward Hassler

John Edward Hassler spent his life in service to his community and dedication to his family.    His over 50 years of service started in his teens with Chamberlian Vocation High’s ROTC and Anacostia DeMolay, continued with his time as a Maryland State Police trooper becoming the first Flight Paramedic on Trooper 7; being a founding member of St. Leonard Volunteer Fire & Rescue, a 4-H leader, life member and past chief of Calvert Advanced Life Support, and the first chair of the Calvert County EMS Council. He flourished in these roles as a provider, mentor, trainer, leader, and supporter of those around him, encouraging others to excel.  His dedication to service inspired him to be involved in development of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in DC and to recognize the need for establishing the Mass Casualty unit for Calvert County. When he wasn’t serving others, he was with his family watching them participate in sports, driving them to and from activities, hanging out on the beach and establishing a foundation of love for family, community and service. He was also an avid marksman, coaching youth in competitive shooting along with competing in regional and international police Olympics. He was a member of Waters Memorial Church.

He was born on April 28,1942 in Washington DC and lived most of his life in Calvert County, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Francis Hassler and his brother Richard Hassler. John is survived by his wife, Wanda, to whom he was happily married for 62 years, and their children and grandchildren, Patrick (Kinta) and their children PJ and Apryl; Joann (Bert) and their children Alexis and Zoe; Katy and her children Kyle, Cameron and Logan; Jonathan (Caroline) and their children Samuel and Sloane; along with three great grandchildren Jonathan, Lauren and Marilyn.

John passed away on September 24^th surrounded by his wife and family. Services will be on Sunday October 4, 2026 at St. Leonard Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company 7, 200 Calvert Beach Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685. 11:00am-1:00pm visitation, Funeral Service 1:00-2:30pm followed by Fire Department procession to Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens for graveside service. Celebration of Life with the family will be at 4:00pm at Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department, Station 2, 450 Solomons Island Road S., Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Per John’s wishes, please avoid wearing black.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Maryland Troopers Association https://mdtroopers.ecwid.com  or St. Leonard Volunteer Fire & Rescue https://www.slvfd.org