Dr. Brian W. Dassler

1978 - 2017

Dr. Brian W. Dassler obituary, 1978-2017, Tallahassee, FL

BORN

1978

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home Riggins Road

1737 Riggins Road

Tallahassee, Florida

Brian Dassler Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 24, 2017.

Dr. Brian W. Dassler
Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality
Former Broward County High School Teacher of the Year

On March 20th the education community lost one of its brightest stars with the passing of Deputy Chancellor of Education Quality, Dr. Brian W. Dassler, 38.
Brian grew up in Broward County where he graduated from Cooper City High School. Brian earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Florida, where he was twice named an outstanding young alumnus.

Brian's first job was as an English teacher at Stranahan High School in Broward County. In 2006, while teaching at Stranahan High School, he was named Teacher of the Year in Broward County, the nation's sixth largest school system. He was the youngest teacher to receive the award.

Brian was the founder and first principal of the KIPP Renaissance High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He also served as Chief Academic Officer of New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), the performing and visual arts high school for the State of Louisiana.

At the age of 34, Brian became the Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality for the Florida Department of Education, bringing with him an unrivaled passion for students, educators and the field of education as a whole. In the fall of 2015, Brian gave a TEDx talk entitled, "Why We Persist at Some Things and Quit at Others."

Active in the community, he was a supporter of many organizations in the arts, social justice, equity, youth and LBGT rights. Among the organizations he assisted were the Florida Humanities Council, Old Dillard Foundation, Florida PTA, LeRoy Collins Institute, the Monroe County Education Foundation, the Urban Teacher Academy Program, United Way, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Breakthrough New Orleans; A Shared Initiative, the Bywater Neighborhood Association, FuturePoint, and the Fort Lauderdale Education Advisory Board.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Vicki Dassler. He is survived by his brother David, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family requests that lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Brian Dassler Memorial Scholarship established by the Broward Education Foundation, and The Brian Dassler Transformational Leader Memorial Fund set up by The UF College of Education.

A funeral service is planned in Tallahassee at St. John's Episcopal Church in Tallahassee, Florida, on Friday, March 31st at 3 pm. A memorial honoring Brian's life and accomplishments will take place in Broward County at the end of April.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Dassler

Sponsored by Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home Riggins Road.

What is your first memory of Brian?

Share a favorite memory you have of Brian.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Brian.

Describe a time when Brian made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Brian?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Brian.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Brian.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Brian.

What is something you learned from Brian?

Not sure what to say?

August 26, 2022

Natasha Forrest

Thank You Mr. Dassler for Dazzling my life.

August 29, 2017

Acquaintance

Tamika Dixon

I have just learned of Brian's death. We worked together at The University of Florida. He was professional, friendly and just a nice guy. I'm sorry to hear of his early passing but am proud to see that he accomplished so much in his short time here. Rest In Peace Brian.

April 25, 2017

Jeffrey Johnson

Brian, Dr. Dassler, (he made me call him Brian)To me, he was a mentor, a leader, and proved himself a friend. I will miss him. I will carry his energy, love, and professionalism forward in my interactions with students, teachers, and parents. Reverent regards,
Jeffrey L. Johnson, Sr. (Port Saint Lucie, FL.)

April 4, 2017

Joe Zelinski

I was one of Brian's Teachers at Walter C. Young Middle School.

April 4, 2017

I miss you Bri!

March 31, 2017

Dr. Tonetta Y. Scott

Praying God's peace now and in the days and months to come. May you feel comfort in knowing that Brian made a true impact on those he came in contact with.

March 31, 2017

David & Mary-Lynn Cullen

We knew Brian when he was the youth member of the Florida PTA board of directors. In everything he did, he left it better than he found it. We were lucky to have him.

March 31, 2017

Trinity Colson Henderson

March 30, 2017

Chris Lucas

I never saw you without a smile on your face. I will always remember the one time I called you on your cell, and instead of declining the call, you put it on speaker. I just sat quietly on the other end and listened to you teach your students at Stranahan. You were magic, and your loss is a void that will never be filled. Miss you!

March 30, 2017

Simara Davis

Mr.Dassler will be missed. He was my 9th grade teacher. Every morning he would call my house to make sure I was coming to school. That alone let me know he cared. There will never be another like him. Rip Mr. Dassler.

March 30, 2017

My deepest sympathies. May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of sorrow. Keep in mind that God keeps in his memory those whom we lose because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15)

March 29, 2017

Nicole Hanna

Brian inspired a generation of educators to serve our students with enthusiasm and compassion. Your legacy remains alive and well in our schools.
Rest in peace.

March 29, 2017

My condolences on your loss may God's words at Act 24:15 bring you comfort

March 29, 2017

Paul Puletti

Our forest now has one less giant oak in it.

March 29, 2017

Layne and Mark Walls

I am so sorry that Brian has left us but I am sorrier for those that never got to meet him. He was an amazing person -- very accomplished yes -- but a really good person. He will be missed doesn't even seem like it says enough. Rest friend.

March 29, 2017

David Thompson

Brian was not only a strong advocate for children, he was a truly wonderful individual with pure thoughts and a strong desire to bring people together. Ghindi said " What we say, what we think, and what we do needs to be in alignment." It is in that light, Brian Lived.

March 29, 2017

My condolences on your loss may the God of tender mercy comfort you

March 29, 2017

John Drag

Brian was one of the most dynamic educators that I ever met. He was a true professional and someone who valued personal relationships. He sent me a sympathy card when my father, a longtime Broward principal, passed away. I will always remember him for that - attention to detail and passion for education.

March 28, 2017

Melissa Tooley

Brian was truly one of a kind, in the best way possible. His life ended too soon, but he was able to make such a big impact on so many people during the time he was here with us. May we all live our lives with as much passion as Brian did.

March 28, 2017

Russell Brewer

May you be bathed in God's light and love.

March 27, 2017

Gretchen Brantley

He had a way with finding strays a family. We were all strays. He created a family. It is unsettling to imagine the world without him.

March 27, 2017

Gary and Nancy Giese

Our sincere sympathy goes to Brian's family, friends and colleagues. We didn't know him but our friend Pam Stewart spoke very highly of him. May all of you find strength and comfort at this most difficult time.

March 27, 2017

Dwight Rhodes

Your intelligence, determination, and unrivaled commitment to improving the lives of all children made you an indomitable force of nature that will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known you. I will miss your gentle smile, positive attitude, and loyal friendship the most. I already miss you more than words can say, and I am humbled to be among the countless beneficiaries of your enduring legacy. You will not be forgotten, my friend.

March 26, 2017

Friend

Angela Prince

My deepest sympathy to Brian's family. He will be missed.

March 26, 2017

We mourn the passing of a truly generous man, I never met a a more kind, considerate or conscientious person than Brian Dassler. Our 16-year friendship provided a beacon of inspiration for improving the lives of children. Brian's dedication to educational excellence built a legacy which will far outlive his too short a stay with us.
Jack Levine
4Generations Institute

March 26, 2017

Lydia Ophaug

Celebrating an individual who has touched so many lives in so many ways. Have enjoyed the laughter, the conversations, the Gator games and Thanksgiving and other family gatherings in our home. You always made things lively! You will be truly missed. This has been a very sad week for the Ophaug family and we hope the fond memories will soon replace the sadness and grief we feel today. Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Lydia Ophaug

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Brian Dassler's name

Memorial Events
for Brian Dassler

Mar

31

Funeral service

3:00 p.m.

St. John's Episcopal Church

Tallahassee, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home Riggins Road

1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

How to support Brian's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Brian Dassler's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more