Thomas Carroll Hassell

March 13, 1943 - March 2, 2023

Born March 13, 1943 in Dallas, Texas to Ralph and Frances Hassell, Thomas Hassell, longtime Austinite and friend to many, died peacefully at home in Austin, Texas on March 2nd, surrounded by his beloved wife, Carol, and their five children. Spending his formative years in Dallas, Tom attended St. Thomas Aquinas grade school, graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory School and leaving Dallas after high school completed a Pre-Med program at the University of Notre Dame in 1965. While working towards his undergraduate degree he spent his summers working in the oil fields of South Texas. After attending Loyola Dental School in Chicago for a year Tom transferred to the University of Texas at Houston to fulfill his degree in dentistry. He met his wife, Carol in Houston and they were married in 1967.

After his graduation from dental school in 1968, Tom enlisted as a captain and dentist in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Duluth, Minnesota for two years. Following his service, he moved his family and established a dental practice in Austin in 1972 which continued for the next 40 years. Fellow parishioners at St. Austin's Catholic church remember Tom as one who would help individuals less fortunate. For many years, before and after his retirement, he met with two separate groups of fellow parishioners on Friday mornings for conversations over breakfast tacos. The Masculine Spirituality Group at St. Austin’s Catholic parrish was a spiritual anchor for Tom for years while still running his dental practice and afterwards. During that same time he also volunteered on the board of the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic.

His lifelong passion for collecting and restoring vintage cars began in his pre-teens. Decades later, inspired by his younger brother, Gene, Tom began racing vintage Ford Mustangs and participated in numerous racing events in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and even the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. During his retirement he and wife Carol joined The Capital City A’s Model A Ford club and enjoyed many scenic road trips around the United States.

The most important things in Tom’s life were his family, his community and the bringing together of family and friends, along with his service to others and to the church. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol, their 5 children, Jeanne, Mark, Amy, Jon and Karen, 8 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter and his three siblings, sister Elaine and brothers, Gene and Billy. Please remember him in your prayers.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to:

Volunteer Healthcare Clinic

4215 Medical Pkwy

Austin, TX 78756