Douglas Michael Sasso

1961-2024

Laguna Hills, CA

Douglas Michael Sasso, a resident of Laguna Hills, CA, passed away September 17, 2024, after valiantly battling stomach cancer.  Doug was 63 years old.  Born August 22, 1961 to Mary Sheila (Harmon) and Michael J. Sasso, in Joliet, IL, he was a Marine Officer, beloved husband, son, brother, stepfather and grandfather, who touched so many lives with a gentlemanly and thoughtful passion for mentoring others.  He was also gregarious and a people person.

He graduated from Joliet Catholic HS in 1979, then attended the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana, graduating in 1984.  Most notably, he was a Sigma Chi fraternity member, where he flourished as the handsome, blond hottie, who graced the pages of “The Men of UI” calendar.  But most importantly, lifelong friendships were forged at the University.

After college, Doug was commissioned in the US Marine Corp—serving 23 years—and was honorably discharged as a Lt. Colonel in 2007.  His aviation call sign was “Venus,” and he honed his piloting skills flying the CH-53D/E Super Stallion helicopters during both combat and humanitarian operations. He was deployed to Desert Storm (1991-92), Afghanistan (2004) and numerous other deployments. He loved flying helicopters, so it was a natural progression that he continued civilian flying at American Eagle and American Airlines.  Eventually flying the 787 Dreamliner.

HONORS

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terror Expeditionary medal (Afghan), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; National Defense Service Medal (W/1 star; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, 3 ^rd award; Meritorious Unit Commendation, 2 ^nd Award; SW Asia Service Medal, w/2 Bronze Stars; Air Medal Strike Flight, 3 ^rd award; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Navy Unit Commendation.

Doug met the love of his life Cindy in 1989 at a UCI-sponsored “College Night” party.  He told friends that he saw this “gorgeous long-haired girl with fantastic legs,” who was working the event.  Cindy was an Academic/Staff Personnel Director at the University.  Her interests mirrored his, and they were married October, 1993.  Throughout their 35-year relationship, “Cindybelle” and Doug were devoted to each other.  And each year they would attend the Marine Corp Ball, a stunning couple.  He proudly noted that his first job was as a paperboy. So every morning, he would refold the newspaper into a paperboy pouch, and toss it to his bride.

The highlight of each year was their annual Fezzywig Christmas party, attended by friends, family and the neighborhood.  Doug wore his holiday vest and happily served shots to anyone brave enough to partake.  He was a conversationalist, and his knowledge and manner of addressing issues with detailed explanations was astounding.  Having grown up in the mid-West, he was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bears, Bulls and Cubs.  In addition, list-toppers included:  Cindybelle, family, flying, Sigma Chi fraternity, the USMC, American Airlines Flight crews, Cindy’s banana bread, and his golden retriever, Sheena..  He also liked to garden and use his Binford 5000 Blower to clear out the carport and the entire street.  But he had an irrational dislike of vegetables, fruit and fish.  Go figure!

He is survived by a large extended family:  his wife Cindy  (Wieber) of 31 years; stepson Shane (Danielle) Finnerty; grandson Conor Finnerty; of Oceanside, CA., mother Mary Sheila Sasso; of Crawfordsville, IN., sisters Karen of Aliso Viejo, CA., and Sheila Sasso of Plainfield, IL, and numerous cousins, in-laws and outlaws.  Preceded in death by his father, Michael Sasso.  A Vigil will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Aliso Viejo, CA., at 9:00am on October 9 ^th , followed by Mass at 9:30.  Interment to follow at 1:15pm at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Doug’s favorite charities:  SEMPER FI & America’s Fund and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.