Craig R Hassler

Dr. Craig Hassler passed away on August 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Craig was born in Chicago, IL to the late Edwin and Fanny Hassler and raised in the neighborhood of Sauganash. He was a graduate of Lane Tech High School, Northwestern University, DePauw University, and Loyola University.

Professionally, Craig was recognized as a pioneer of safety pharmacology through his 45 years at Battelle. He directed multiple studies that lead to increased safety of drugs, automobiles, and other areas of our everyday lives. He held multiple patents, including the tooth implant, and published many articles related to his studies and research. His commitment to his field is apparent in his receiving multiple professional awards.

Personally, Craig was lucky to be married to the love of his life, Trish, whom though he met later in life, they made the most of the years they had together. They travelled extensively, especially to enjoy the sports of ice skating and skiing which they both enjoyed.

Growing up, Craig developed a passion for many modes of transit, obtaining his pilot’s license before he was 17, sailing boats on Lake Michigan, and repairing cars and boat motors with his brother and father. Craig also played the French horn in his mother’s children’s orchestra, an instrument that was suggested to him “because mom needed a French horn in the orchestra”.

His all-around handiness with fixing things was a skill and mindset he passed on to his daughters, teaching them that girls can use tools and fix problems too. Meg fondly remembers the time she and her dad replaced the clutch in her car together, giving her confidence that she could tackle the tough projects, and learning a few new curse words along the way. Craig was an adoring father to both of his girls, enthusiastically travelling with Ginger’s skating team to competitions around the world and lugging his ice skate sharpening machine along to ensure that the entire team’s blades were in perfect condition.

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia Cunningham, daughters Meg Reinick (Seth) and Ginger Hassler (Jason), granddaughter Emmeline Reinick, and his sister Pamela Foster (John). He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Edwin Hassler, Jr.

A celebration of Craig’s life will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Craig’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ohio Health Hospice. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN.