William Arthur Sassman

November 27, 1936- March 25, 2016

William A. Sassman, affectionately known as "Father Bill", went to be with the Lord on Good Friday, March 25, 2016 at age 79. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Shirley, and their daughter Margaret (Megan), He is survived by their son William and daughter Catherine.

Fr. Bill grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Lehigh University with a Masters degree in Divinity. He subsequently joined the Navy where he met his wife and began his family. While stationed in Puerto Rico, he was ordained an Episcopal Priest in 1967. He later transitioned to the Air Force, serving as Chaplain at both Mather and McClellan Air Force bases. He achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1985.

Following his retirement from the military in 1989, Ft. Bill became parish priest at Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Fair Oaks, California, Where he served until his retirement in 2002. During his time at St. Francis, he spearheaded a major expansion of the parish sanctuary and significantly increased parish membership and Sunday attendance.

A celebration of Fr. Bill's life will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 11430 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks on Friday, April 29 at 5:30 PM. The Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, Bishop of Northern California, will preside.

Arrangements under the direction of Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary, Fair Oaks, CA.