Walter R. Sassack, D.D.S.

Walter Robert Sassack, age 71, of Grosse Ile, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026.

Born on September 26, 1955, Walter spent his childhood in Lincoln Park, Michigan. He attended Southgate Aquinas High School before earning both his undergraduate degree and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. A Wolverine through and through, his years in Ann Arbor forged a lifelong pride in his alma mater and laid the foundation for a career dedicated to helping others.

As a dentist who owned his practice in Riverview, Michigan, Dr. Sassack was beloved by his patients and staff alike. He cared deeply for the well-being of everyone who walked through his doors, frequently going above and beyond to ensure his patients received the finest care. His practice was guided by his innate kindness, generosity, and strong professional integrity.

Walter had a rare ability to light up any room he entered with his quick sense of humor and positive energy. Guided by a big heart, he was always ready to offer thoughtful wisdom and gentle guidance to his siblings and children whenever it was needed. He wanted those around him to know, without question, that he cared for them and would always be there in their time of need.

Above all, Walter cherished his family. He loved spending quality time with his wife and children and sharing in their passions. An enthusiastic sports fan, he spent years coaching his children’s basketball teams. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club, enjoying countless rounds with good friends. Walter rarely passed up an opportunity to attend a live sporting event, most notably any University of Michigan football game, especially when they faced off against Ohio State. When relaxing at home, he could inevitably be found in his favorite chair, voraciously reading and finishing books in record time. One of his most enjoyable roles was that of a grandfather. Known by his grandchildren as “Pa,” he saved his biggest smiles and most of his playfulness and spoiling for them.

Walter was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Sassack; his mother, Marilyn Sassack; and his sister, Diane (Bart) DeVita.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Sassack; his children, Bradley Sassack, Kelsey (Matthew) Clair, Brett (Alyssa) Sassack, and Jason Sassack (Erin Hacker); his cherished grandchildren, Brynlee, Kenton, Luca, Max, Santino, and Kinsley; and his siblings, Andrew (Cheryl) Sassack, Martha (Thomas) Gotshall, Russell (Audra) Sassack, Marilyn (David) Vega, Nancy (Marc) Muller, and Sandi (Eric) Tenfelde, along with a wide circle of extended family, friends, and patients whose lives he touched.

Service Information

Visitation: Thursday, November 12, 2026 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Martenson Funeral Home, 3200 West Rd, Trenton, MI 48183

Funeral Service: Friday, November 13, 2026 10:00 a.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 21599 Parke Ln, Grosse Ile, MI 48138

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to American Heart Association, in the name of Walter R. Sassack, D.D.S.