James H. Gassman
James H. Gassman
James H. Gassman, 97, passed away peacefully on Jan. 19, 2026. He was born June 13, 1928, to the late Herman J. and Mirth E. (Bush) Gassman. James was a 1947 graduate of Eden High School, Eden, NY, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State University followed by a Master of Education from the University of Buffalo. His commitment to learning let him complete postgraduate work at the University of Buffalo and Geneseo State College.
James dedicated his professional life to education, serving 20 years as the Superintendent of Falconer Central School District, in Falconer, NY. During his tenure, he pioneered innovative programs such as educational television and computer science and oversaw the construction of a major middle school addition. Prior to his Superintendency, he taught in Western New York State at Wilson Central School and Eden Central School, and he held administrative roles at Canisteo Central School and the Farnham School District. He was actively involved in New York State and Western New York professional organizations, serving as president of the Chautauqua County Association of Superintendents, treasurer of District 13 state Secondary School Administrators Association, and first president of the Chautauqua County Association of Education Administrators. He contributed as an honorary trustee of the Western New York Public Broadcasting Association.
A proud US Army Veteran, James was stationed at the 1st Army Headquarters during the Korean Conflict, exemplifying his dedication to service both in and out of uniform.
He was married to Laurel E. (Eckhardt) Gassman for 67 years and together they raised their three children in Western New York State. He had a love of water and boating which extended from the Niagara River and Chautauqua Lake to Southwest Florida. In retirement, he worked for many years at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers, Florida, first as a tour guide and later as the museum’s educator/historian. He became a respected contributor of historical information to authors of published writings about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Up until his passing, James cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends, both old and new.
James was preceded in death by his parents, and recently his wife, Laurel in 2021.
He is survived by his children, Nancy (Richard) Foley, Estero, Florida; Linda (Paul) Kosko, Greensburg, PA; and James (Rebekah) Gassman, Kissimmee, Florida. His grandchildren include Alyson Foley, Brian Foley, Shawn Kosko, Robert Kosko, Bradley (Kaitlin) Kosko, and Alexander Gassman. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Liliana, Rachel, Emily, James and Hailey Kosko.
A private celebration of James’s life was held on Jan. 26, 2026, at Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery in Cape Coral, Florida.