Jeffrey Tassin
Jeffrey D. Tassin, Ph.D., 64, died at his Chattanooga home on September 27, 2016.
He was a perennial teacher, a vigorous advocate for those struggling to overcome disadvantages, a loving son and brother, and a faithful companion. Jeff was born April 5, 1952 in West Palm Beach, FL. He graduated from Palm Beach High School where he played basketball and developed a lifelong love for tennis. He went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Adelphi University and his master's and doctoral degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology. His dissertation was on "The photodestruction of tryptophan residues in peptides, proteins and the intact ocular lens."
Jeff taught briefly at Furman University and then spent 18 years (1980 – 1998) as a professor at the University of the South where he chaired the Chemistry Department and volunteered as an EMT on the weekends. Relocating to Chattanooga in 2001, Jeff continued his teaching vocation in a second career which was dedicated to service. He became the program manager for Chattanooga Endeavors where he taught various classes to help former offenders develop new narratives for, what he called, their "new lives." His legacy will continue in the many thousands of people who learned to learn from Jeff.
He is survived by his beloved Beth Pettit in Chattanooga, along with his mother, Mildred Tassin in New Smyrna Beach, FL, two brothers, Fred (Sheryll) Tassin, Jr. in Saint Augustine, FL, and Gary (Nancy) Tassin in Wilmington, NC, a sister, Jennifer (Bill) Manke in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and six nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Tassin, Sr.
Continuing his lifelong devotion to science, teaching, and service, Jeff donated his body to research.
There will be an opportunity to share stories about Jeff from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Center for Mindful Living, 400 E. Main Stree, Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, an act of kindness may be done in Jeff's memory.