William W. Vasse of New Paltz, NY, died on June 19, 2025 at age 94, a few days before his 60th wedding anniversary. Born on January 31, 1931 in Pasadena, California, he is the son of the late William and Etta (Anderson) Vasse. He attended Pasadena high school/City College, and the University of California-Santa Barbara, graduating from both as valedictorian. He then earned MA and PhD degrees in English at UC-Berkeley. A Shakespeare scholar and a specialist in American literature, he is co-author of The Annotated Index to the Cantos of Ezra Pound (1957). From 1962-1982 he taught English for the new urban campus of the University of Michigan in Flint, where his interest in university administration grew as he also served in the roles of Department Chair, Assistant to the Chancellor, Acting Provost and Acting Chancellor for UM-Flint.
Dr. Vasse brought his family to New Paltz in 1982 when he became Vice President for Academic Affairs for SUNY-New Paltz. His wife, Sally, served as Librarian in the Kingston schools, and for Orange County Community College. His 14-year old daughter began high school here, and now with her own family she enjoys every trail in the Mohonk Preserve and beyond.
At SUNY-New Paltz, William Vasse will be remembered for his commitment to the importance of general education, for which his leadership enhanced New Paltz’s strong academic reputation. He served primarily under the historic leadership of the University’s first female President, Alice Chandler (1980-1996) and was intricately involved in the creation of the SUNY New Paltz School of Engineering.
Of general education, he wrote: “Perhaps put most simply, I want students to gain some appreciation for…feeling what it means to exist in the world…responding to the claims of the past, encountering the imperatives of the present… Much of what is best about general education will, I am convinced, occur by happy accident when an individual is unexpectedly moved off dead-center by an idea, an issue, or a new and unexpected experience. The best general education program creates the context in which such accidents are more likely to happen than not.”
When he retired, Bill devoted his time to reading many books, keeping a list of every book read since his retirement day. He also planted many flowers in his garden which was a delight in the neighborhood especially for its colorful Spring tulips. Bill and Sally have loved living in the beautiful Hudson Valley where their involvement in the community has included attending music and theater performances, Piano Summer of New Paltz, choral and chamber music concerts, enjoying the Mohonk Preserve, and actively working for the Phillies Bridge Farm Project, where Sally served as president. William Vasse was also a longtime, valued member of the Elting Library Board of Trustees. The Vasses are devoted members of two local Episcopal churches — St. Andrew’s in New Paltz and Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie.
William Vasse is survived by his wife Sarah (Sally), their daughter Mary Vasse, son-in-law Robert Bole and grandchildren Sam and Lily Bole. nieces Kathleen Hawk Tollack and Carolyn Hawk Russell, daughters of his late sister Mary Vasse Hawk. On Saturday August 2nd, 2025, a requiem liturgy at St. Andrew’s Church in New Paltz, internment in a columbarium of the New Paltz Rural Cemetery, will be followed by Calling hours from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 S. Putt Corners Road in New Paltz, with a community Celebration of Life with music, prayers and readings at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Phillies Bridge Farm Project, SUNY New Paltz Foundation, Mohonk Preserve, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Paltz, or Christ Episcopal Church, Poughkeepsie.
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