Louis "Lou" Peter Wassel

Louis “Lou” Peter Wassel passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, in Fayetteville, NC, where he became ill while visiting his daughter and her family. Born in Amsterdam, NY, to Helen (Polochacz) and Edward Jacob Wassel, he graduated from Wilbur Lynch High School and earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from Syracuse University.

Lou began his career as a mechanical engineer at Carrier Corporation in Syracuse but soon became interested in the newly developing field of computers. Just one course convinced him to pursue a career as a systems engineer. Lou worked for several years at Bristol Meyers Squibb in Syracuse, developing applications for accounting, inventory, and other systems. His last career stop was for Onondaga County, where he maintained computer systems for Van Duyn Home and Hospital and the Transportation Department.

Lou’s greatest priority was always his family, but a close second was his lifelong passion for downhill skiing. He skied in Europe, Canada, the American West, and throughout the Northeast. Lou was a member of Onondaga Ski Club for over 40 years, serving on the board and on various committees, including those for the OSC ski lodge, the Syracuse Ski sale, and marketing. He loved spending time outdoors, especially boating and camping. Lou also took great pride in working on his cars and home, always embracing the challenge of tackling repairs himself. His grandchildren said, “Grandpa can fix anything.”

Lou looked back with fondness on his years coaching baseball and softball for the Minoa-Kirkville Athletic Association (MKAA), proudly leading his son’s team to a league championship. He also enjoyed serving as a chaperone for his daughter’s ESM High School Ski Club during their weekly bus trips. After retiring, Lou traveled extensively, exploring all of the lower 48 states as well as parts of Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Lou is predeceased by his parents; brother, Paul; sister-in-law, Karen Wassel; and sister, Charlotte Wassel Brunetto.

He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his son, Louis (Erika) of Arlington, VA; daughter, Nancy (Dennis) Edwards of Fayetteville, NC; and life partner, Dianne Emmick of Camillus, whom he met on a chairlift at Toggenburg Ski Area over 30 years ago. Lou took great pride in his children and grandchildren, Ethan Wassel, Kennedy Edwards, and Madison (Joey) Kauffman; and his brand-new great-granddaughter, Sage Kauffman, born just a few days after his death. The Amsterdam, NY, area was always a second home to him, where he also is survived by his brother, Peter (Linda) Wassel; brother-in-law, Joel Brunetto; and many nieces and nephews in his large and loving extended family, all of whom remember Uncle Lou with great affection.

To celebrate Lou’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home.

In addition, a calling hour will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 156 Main St., Amsterdam with a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in the church. A graveside service will follow at St. Casimir's Cemetery, 98 Cemetery Rd., Amsterdam.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Lou’s name to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692; to the Scholarship Memorial for Paul and Karen Wassel (made out to Wassel Memorial Fund) at Wassel Memorial Fund, PO Box 65, Fort Johnson, NY, 12070; or to a charity of your choice.