THE LIVES THEY LED
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Bob Hassold 1930-2019
n story by JEANNIE PUTNAM photos provided by the HASSOLD FAMILY
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or those who knew Robert “Bob” Hassold, many said he lived by the philosophy “le joie de vivre” — loving the people around him and spreading encouragement and fun wherever he went. According to Bob Hassold’s sons Rob and Ted Hassold, their father was part of a medical miracle when he was born as part of a set of triplets — which included a brother, Dick, and sister, Peggy — in 1930 in Chesnut Hill, Pennsylvania. Bob Hassold was the first born, and the life of the family. “He (Bob) was quite the prankster (growing up),” Rob Hassold said. “His name was frequently yelled in a loud voice by his mother and father when things happened around the house. (His pranks included) frightening his mother’s garden club by planting a fake snake in the flower garden, (which led) to loud screams and frantic running by the frightened garden club members.” According to Rob Hassold and his brothers, Jim Hassold, Chuck Hassold and Ted Hassold, their father’s pranks continued into his early school years. If he or his brother got into trouble at school both Bob Hassold and his twin brother were disciplined because the teachers and administrators could not tell them apart.
(He had) an insatiable curiosity; and a desire to fix things and situations. If a family member, friend or coworker had a need, he was always there to help 110%.
-Rob, Jim, Chuck and Ted Hassold
Bob Hassold never outgrew his playful spirit. His sons recall that when they were young, he moved the family to a farm north of Philadelphia. This was when he got the nickname “Boondock Bob.”
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GREENVILLEJOURNAL.COM // DECEMBER 27