June 12, 1949 – March 5, 2014
Stephen Loyd von Hasseln of Long Island, New York, and Coral Springs, Fla., died peacefully March 5, 2014, in hospice at Coral Springs.
Born June 12th, 1949, in Manhattan, Steve demonstrated an early fascination for everything mechanical or electronic: as soon as he could toddle he was disassembling clocks and locks to see how they worked, much to the consternation of his parents. This would lead later to a career in physical security, capped by his recognition by his peers as an ASIS International Certified Security Professional.
Another life-long love was theater. After learning the basics as a member of the Farmingdale Senior High School Green Room Players, Steve went on to secure his Actors Equity card and worked as stage manager for the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater of Harlem, comedian
George Carlin, drummer Buddy Rich and his band, as well as many local and regional theaters. For ten years he served as the technical director of the Florida Renaissance Fair.
Steve never saw these interests as disparate. He formed his first corporation while in high school and its title represented what he saw as a unity: Sight-Sound-Security, Inc. It didn’t matter if the client was a playwright, band leader, or corporate CEO: Steve’s vision was to hear and truly understand their vision and find the best and most practical way to realize it.
Slow to anger and quick to share a laugh or helping hand, for Steve there was no problem that could not be solved through love or a little extra “elbow-grease.”
His commanding physical stature belied a kind and gentle soul. Children and animals intuited this and flocked to him, and he was never happier than when they surrounded him and his wife. Colleagues and clients continually grew in admiration of his steadfast and honest nature.
Peering into the inner workings of clocks, locks, and theatrical device, Steve discovered not only the secrets of his trade but also the meaning of his life. He would be a self-made man, who always sought to improve himself and thereby the lives of all he touched by never ceasing to learn about everything: art, music, technology, theater, history, geography, and most of all, people. He wasn’t just the technical director of a renaissance fair: he was a renaissance man.
Steve is survived by: his beloved wife of 38 years, Ann; his devoted sister, Mrs. Laura (Jim) Wilson of Basalt, Colorado; his proud brother Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Maria Riccio Bryce) von Hasseln of Amsterdam, New York; and his adoring nieces and nephew:
Whitney Onsgard, Erin and Molly Wilson, of Colorado and Erich von Hasseln of New York City. He was predeceased by his loving parents Frances and Harold von Hasseln of Farmingdale, New York and fond parent-in-laws, Anita and Samuel Schonberg of Flushing, New York, and Del Ray Beach, Florida.
A funeral mass will held at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Farmingdale, New York, at 11:15am on Friday, March 7th. Interment will follow immediately at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale.
Gifts in memory of Steve can be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231, or online at www.donate.heart.org. Condolences can be sent to his widow at annvh1266@yahoo.com.
