Dennis Wasson

Dennis Wasson, MD of Fairfield, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on February 1, 2016. He was 82 years old and is survived by his loving wife Ellen, and their four children: Tara and husband Jeff Moxham, Roger, Ann and husband Geoffrey Coley, Katherine and husband Nicholas Morris, all in whom he felt love and pride. He, known as "Poppy", leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Hannah of Brookfield, CT; Kassie, Niki, Gillian of New York City; Nicholas, Jonathan, Caroline of Fairfield, CT. He also leaves behind a sister: Joy Riley of Pemberton, NJ. Dr. Wasson was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on October 15, 1933 to Samuel and Caroline Wasson. He was predeceased by his brother, William and sister, Maureen Jinks, both of Belfast, Northern Ireland. After attending Belfast Royal Academy, he earned his medical degree from Queens University, Belfast in 1957. He completed his surgical internship and residency at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and Norwalk Hospital, CT. He continued his training at Harvard Medical School, MA having earned a Surgical Research Fellowship in 1964. After completing his training, he worked in private practice that continued for 50 years. Dennis held many positions at Bridgeport Hospital including Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Medical Executive Committee and was Chief of General Surgery for nearly a decade. He was an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine. After being awarded Teacher of the Year many times throughout his career, The Dennis Wasson, MD Award for Outstanding Performance in Surgical Residency was initiated in 2010 and he was granted Honorary Staff Status at Bridgeport Hospital. Dennis Wasson was known as an excellent and experienced surgeon who was as dedicated to practicing surgery as he was to teaching it. He was a deeply compassionate doctor who devoted his life to caring for his patients and their families.
Dr. Wasson's family, including his grandchildren were the most important thing in his life. In addition, his talent for playing the piano and his love of music began at age five under the nurturing care of his musically talented mother. He was a chorister at Saint Ann's Cathedral, Belfast for most of his youth and became a brilliant pianist who's deep repertoire covered all genres. He spent his life playing endlessly for himself but what brought him the most joy, was sharing his gift with family and friends. Equal to his love of music was his indefatigable quest for knowledge. He was veracious reader and was known to many as a true polymath. Dennis touched so many people, whether directly or indirectly with his calm demeanor and strong and steady hands. He was a source of quiet wisdom, comfort and security to so many. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, patients and colleagues.
The funeral will be held at Trinity Church, 651 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT on February 20th at 1:00 pm. Contributions in Dennis's memory may be made to Bridgeport Hospital Department of Surgery Educational Fund, PO Box 5000, Bridgeport, CT 06610 or to Trinity Episcopal Church Southport. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com