Dieter Carl Maria Kassl

Dieter Carl Maria Kassl

“Enjoy yourself.  It’s later than you think.”

Dieter Carl Maria Kassl, age 69, of Mechanicsburg, PA and Queens, NY , died peacefully and surrounded by his loving family at the Carolyn Croxton Slane Hospice Residence in Harrisburg, PA on Saturday, August 15, 2015.  Dieter was born on Tuesday, April 9, 1946 in Böbing , Germany to the late Benno Kassl and Maria (Landwehr) Kassl.

Dieter’s survivors include his four children and eight grandchildren: Christina Kassl and her children:  Taylor, Ryan, Chance, and her companion, Matthew Walker, all of Boiling Springs, PA, Melissa (Kassl) Lupold and her husband, Matthew, and their children, Hailey and Brayden, all of Wernersville, PA, Jennifer Perna and her husband, Brian, and their children: Riley, Cole, and Peyton, all of Bayside, NY, Alexander Kassl and his partner, Jay Gould, of New York, NY; his one sister, Marion Brandvold and her husband, John, of Manhasset, NY; and his friend and former spouse, Carleen Kassl and her fiancé, Matthew Meyran, of Port Washington, NY.

Dieter graduated from Manhasset High School , and then attended Pennsylvania Military College , graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  Dieter was a former co-owner, designer, and manager of Benra Associates , a custom window company in Manhattan, where he met many interesting and famous people throughout his career.  Dieter was a faithful and devout Roman Catholic .  He was the life of the party, with his infectious, contagious laugh and his deep, rich voice that was perfect for telling stories and being the great joke-teller that Dieter was known as.  Smiles fill the children’s faces as they recall the words they heard their father repeat so often, “Did you bring my charger?” He had a saying for every situation, many of which were spoken in German. His friends and family would lightly refer to these as "Dieteronomy." The words of wisdom his children will most remember are his life motto: "Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think. He loved animals, Porsches, the outdoors and outdoor activities; including sailing, boating, camping, and hiking.  Dieter is warmly remembered as supremely generous, loving, supportive, and nurturing, and all those who were blessed to know him will dearly miss his big, beautiful, warm heart.

All are welcome to join Dieter’s family at his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2015, at St. Peter of Alcantara Roman Catholic Church , 1327 Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington, NY 11050.  Dieters’s family invites everyone to join them for a reception and gathering of family and friends at the Port Washington Yacht Club , One Yacht Club Drive, Port Washington, NY, 11050 immediately following the Mass.  Interment will be at the family’s convenience.  Honored to be urn bearers are Dieter’s four children: Christina, Melissa, Jennifer, and Alexander.  Cremation was private.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Carolyn Croxton Slane Hospice Residence, 1701 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502; www.npcf.us.

Dieter’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Dieter’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .