Obituary for Joseph Hassler
Joseph Hassler
November 3, 1938-January 23, 2022
The Erie theatre community is mourning the passing of Joseph Hassler, the much-loved master scenic and lighting designer, whose lights dimmed for the final time on January 23rd following a lengthy illness. He was 83.
Joe grew up in Conneaut, Ohio, and at the age of 8 began his theatrical journey with dance lessons, which continued through his high school years. Those lessons soon led to his being accepted into the Erie Civic Ballet Company, where he worked with director, Statia Sublette, someone who was not only destined to become a close friend and mentor, but who helped him obtain a scholarship to the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 1961. His internship there culminated into his being named one of the first dancers in their professional company.
He later spent two years as a medic in the Army, after which he returned to Erie and was reunited with the Civic Ballet Company. It wasn’t long after that his attention turned to scenic and lighting design and he suddenly found the creative outlet that would define him for the rest of his life. Not only did he take over those duties for the Civic Ballet Company, but his work soon drew the attention of The Youngstown Ballet, The Chautauqua Ballet Company and The Buffalo Dance Company.
In the early 70’s, Joe’s association with local theatre began, first as a part-time lighting designer for a children’s theatre company and then for the Erie Playhouse, which was housed at that time in the Penn Theatre in Wesleyville. His next position was as scenic and lighting designer for the newly formed Village Dinner Theatre, where he first met David Matthews, who had just recently been hired as Managing Director of the Erie Playhouse but was moonlighting as a performer one of the Village’s early productions.
That chance meeting with Matthews turned into a lifelong, loving friendship and professional association that lasted until David’s passing in 2021. Joe eventually became the full time lighting designer for the Playhouse and soon took over as scenic designer as well. Matthews also introduced him to summer theatre impresario, John Kenley, with whom another deep friendship developed. Joe was always very proud of being on hand for Kenley’s 100th year birthday celebration.
Joe’s creative instincts for both lighting and scenic design were unmatched in Erie. He was simply the best there was as evidenced not only by his work for the 55 years he was associated with the Playhouse, (during which he was always quick to give credit to his friend and right-hand man, Alan Koch, for so much of the artistic achievements they accomplished), but also for the numerous other arts groups where his genius was on display, including the Gannon Theatre, Mercyhurst Theatre, Long’s Dance Studio, McDowell Intermediate High School and Corella Productions. Along the way, he mentored countless young people in lighting and design, many of whom have gone on to careers in professional theatre thanks to the knowledge they gained under his supervision.
Joe was also a master cook and a warm, welcoming host, especially during the holidays when there was always a seat at the dining room table for any number of his friends who had standing invitations to join him and share in the elaborate feast he always prepared for them.
It goes without saying that he was blessed to share 47 years of his life with his wonderful partner, Sal Ruvelo, who passed away in 2020.
Special thanks are extended to Patty Corella and Julian Decker, whose loving care helped guide Joe through his final days, and Dr. Brad Fox, who literally saved Joe’s life several years ago when others had given up on him, and who continued to help him overcome the medical challenges he faced right up to the end.
Final arrangements are being handled by Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc, 2502 Sassafras St., and friends are invited there on Friday, January 28th from 4:00 pm until the time of the service at 5:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Martin Center, 1701 Parade St., Erie, PA 16503. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com
Burial will be private.
For all his creative successes, Joe remained a humble man, always ready to lend his time and talents to anyone who asked. And for that, he garnered a multitude of friends who loved him deeply and considered him family, and whose hearts are profoundly broken now that he is gone. Before he passed on, he wanted to say to all them: “I wish to thank all of you who have come and gone in my life. May God bless you all.
November 3, 1938-January 23, 2022
The Erie theatre community is mourning the passing of Joseph Hassler, the much-loved master scenic and lighting designer, whose lights dimmed for the final time on January 23rd following a lengthy illness. He was 83.
Joe grew up in Conneaut, Ohio, and at the age of 8 began his theatrical journey with dance lessons, which continued through his high school years. Those lessons soon led to his being accepted into the Erie Civic Ballet Company, where he worked with director, Statia Sublette, someone who was not only destined to become a close friend and mentor, but who helped him obtain a scholarship to the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 1961. His internship there culminated into his being named one of the first dancers in their professional company.
He later spent two years as a medic in the Army, after which he returned to Erie and was reunited with the Civic Ballet Company. It wasn’t long after that his attention turned to scenic and lighting design and he suddenly found the creative outlet that would define him for the rest of his life. Not only did he take over those duties for the Civic Ballet Company, but his work soon drew the attention of The Youngstown Ballet, The Chautauqua Ballet Company and The Buffalo Dance Company.
In the early 70’s, Joe’s association with local theatre began, first as a part-time lighting designer for a children’s theatre company and then for the Erie Playhouse, which was housed at that time in the Penn Theatre in Wesleyville. His next position was as scenic and lighting designer for the newly formed Village Dinner Theatre, where he first met David Matthews, who had just recently been hired as Managing Director of the Erie Playhouse but was moonlighting as a performer one of the Village’s early productions.
That chance meeting with Matthews turned into a lifelong, loving friendship and professional association that lasted until David’s passing in 2021. Joe eventually became the full time lighting designer for the Playhouse and soon took over as scenic designer as well. Matthews also introduced him to summer theatre impresario, John Kenley, with whom another deep friendship developed. Joe was always very proud of being on hand for Kenley’s 100th year birthday celebration.
Joe’s creative instincts for both lighting and scenic design were unmatched in Erie. He was simply the best there was as evidenced not only by his work for the 55 years he was associated with the Playhouse, (during which he was always quick to give credit to his friend and right-hand man, Alan Koch, for so much of the artistic achievements they accomplished), but also for the numerous other arts groups where his genius was on display, including the Gannon Theatre, Mercyhurst Theatre, Long’s Dance Studio, McDowell Intermediate High School and Corella Productions. Along the way, he mentored countless young people in lighting and design, many of whom have gone on to careers in professional theatre thanks to the knowledge they gained under his supervision.
Joe was also a master cook and a warm, welcoming host, especially during the holidays when there was always a seat at the dining room table for any number of his friends who had standing invitations to join him and share in the elaborate feast he always prepared for them.
It goes without saying that he was blessed to share 47 years of his life with his wonderful partner, Sal Ruvelo, who passed away in 2020.
Special thanks are extended to Patty Corella and Julian Decker, whose loving care helped guide Joe through his final days, and Dr. Brad Fox, who literally saved Joe’s life several years ago when others had given up on him, and who continued to help him overcome the medical challenges he faced right up to the end.
Final arrangements are being handled by Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc, 2502 Sassafras St., and friends are invited there on Friday, January 28th from 4:00 pm until the time of the service at 5:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Martin Center, 1701 Parade St., Erie, PA 16503. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com
Burial will be private.
For all his creative successes, Joe remained a humble man, always ready to lend his time and talents to anyone who asked. And for that, he garnered a multitude of friends who loved him deeply and considered him family, and whose hearts are profoundly broken now that he is gone. Before he passed on, he wanted to say to all them: “I wish to thank all of you who have come and gone in my life. May God bless you all.