Joseph "Joe" William Kassiris

JOSEPH WILLIAM KASSIRIS

March 1946 -- October 2025

Joseph William Kassiris (79), formerly of Indian Head, MD, passed away peacefully at his home in North Carolina on October 3, 2025, with his loving wife at his side. 

Joe was born in Washington D.C. in 1946, son of the late Gus and Ola (Cronk) Kassiris of Indian Head, MD.  He grew up with a dedication of patriotism, selfless service, and a passion for adventure which motivated him to enlist into the United States Navy in 1963.  After being assigned to a fighter squadron, he started off his early years as a jet engine mechanic.  He quickly earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike, later earning the position as a crew chief for the Navy’s famed VF-11 “Red Rippers” F4 Squadron.  His Navy adventures carried him to duty locations such as Virginia Beach, VA, Jacksonville and Key West, FL, along with foreign deployments to the Mediterranean Sea in support of war efforts in the republic of Vietnam.

Following his military service, Joe began his journey to serve his community once again as a professional firefighter. He started working for the Federal Government fire station at Andrews Air Force base, MD.  A few years later he transitioned to Prince Georges County (PGFD) Maryland Fire and Emergency services.  He served at multiple locations including Oxon Hill, Accokeek, District Heights, Morningside, Allentown, Fort Washington, and Brandywine. Joe retired as a Lieutenant after more than 22 years of service. 

An avid outdoor and sportsman, Joe enjoyed fishing, boating, shooting pool, watching football (The Washington Redskins), a gardener, working on cars and ALL aspects of NASCAR. He was also renowned in his younger years where he owned, operated and built his own late model dirt track racecar, trading paint at Potomac Speedway located at Budds Creek MD.  Joe was highly sought after and looked up to for his ability to build winning race engines. However, his happiest times were spent with his wife, his children and grandchildren.

Known for his firm stance, determination, meticulous attention to detail, and a glaring stare. A sheer professional in all aspects. Those that didn’t know him were always on their toes. Those who did know him knew exactly where he stood.  Some knew him as "Joe", some as "Joe Jet", "Kassiris", or as Debbie's husband, Stacey’s or Jason’s dad. Those who were closest and knew him best knew him simply as "Pop" or "Poppy".

Joe is survived by Debbie (Jones), his loving wife of 53 years, his daughter Stacey Gladwell (Britt), son Jason Kassiris (Ryan), and his grandchildren Garrett and Kendall Gladwell, Collin Kassiris, Troy and Hannah Horton, siblings Kathy Lukinic (Buddy), Sherri Millar (Glenn), Gus Kassiris, Joyce Diedrich, Mary K Kassiris, and a very large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends from all walks of life.

SERVICES:

Visitation:

Arehart - Echols Funeral Home

211 St. Mary's Ave.

LaPlata, MD 20646

Date:  Friday,  Oct 24, 2025

Times:  5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Memorial Mass:

St Joseph Catholic Church

4590 St Joseph Way, Pomfret, MD 20675

Date: Saturday, Oct 25, 2025

Time:  11:00 AM

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