Antoine Tony Joseph Asselin passed away at home in Seneca, S.C., on Aug. 30, 2021, after a March 2020 heart attack. He was surrounded by his family and a warmth of love and prayers from friends along his journey.
Tony is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan “Susie” Bastian Asselin, and daughter Katelyn Elizabeth Asselin Rieling and her husband Brett Rieling of Ball Ground, Ga.
Tony was born in Southbridge, Mass., the son of Elzear Zacharie Asselin and Lillian Josephine Gemme Asselin. He had six siblings: Andre Aslen (Jane), Lucille Hembel (Robert), Arthur Asselin (Lisa), Louise Carpenter (Steve), Lillian Cucuzza (Dave) and Lorraine Snipper (Stephen) and many nieces and nephews.
Special friends who were part of his family include Susie Wheelis and her daughters Erin Greene and Callie Davis.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Louise Carpenter, and a sister-in-law, Ming Aslen.
Tony was a CPA in Florida and Nebraska before he established a successful CPA practice in Blacksburg. He was dedicated to helping his clients while maintaining a sense of humor and loved talking and joking around. Tony enjoyed serving as an officer or board member of practically every community organization to which he belonged. He was especially proud of his service to the Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley and the Blacksburg Breakfast Lions Club.
He described serving others as the “best work of life ” and hoped he not only touched others but left things better than when he arrived.
He was an avid cyclist and recorded thousands of miles on roads and trails. Boating, fishing, hiking, photography and kayaking were his favorite ways to enjoy Lake Keowee, S.C., where he lived after his retirement. If anyone needed anything, Tony had it in his garage. He believed that it is better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Tony would find a connection with everyone he met. His family and friends will miss his smile, his sense of humor, quick wit, ever-present whistling, hugs, and his unique giggle.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at Memorial Gardens of the New River Valley, 2551 North Main St., Blacksburg. The Rev. Jennifer Fletcher of Blacksburg United Methodist Church will officiate. Attendees may visit with the family from 10 to 11 a.m. if fully vaccinated. Otherwise, the family will visit each car at the conclusion of the service.
For the safety of the attendees, the service will be broadcast on the radio.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to Habitat for Humanity of the NRV.
