Vassell Gregory S. Vassell, age 94, of Dublin, Ohio passed away peacefully on November 3, 2016 at Dublin Methodist Hospital. Gregory was born on December 24, 1921 in Moscow, Russia. In 1930 he and his parents escaped the Soviet Union and encountered the turmoil of World War II that began in 1939. He earned an advanced degree in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Berlin-Charlottenburg, Germany in June of 1951. Shortly thereafter, he emigrated to the United States where he began his career as an assistant engineer at the American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEP) in New York City. He received an MBA from New York University in 1954 and became a US citizen in 1957. At AEP, he advanced to increasing levels of responsibility, becoming Senior Vice President System Planning in 1976, eventually relocating to Ohio. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the American Electric Power Service Corporation (1973-1987), the Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Company (1981-1987), and the Cardinal Operating Company (1981-1987). During his professional career he was responsible for formulating plans for the construction of thousands of miles of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage transmission lines, and the location of many major power plants throughout the Midwestern United States. He published many technical papers and articles in professional journals in the United States and abroad. In 1978 he was elected to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for his contributions "to the planning of reliable and economic electric power systems." In 1980 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions "in the field of electric energy supply, both as to its technical features and its societal implications." In 1995 he received the Philip Sporn Award from the International Conference on Large High Voltage Electric Systems (CIGRE, Paris, France) for "career contributions to the advancement of the concept of system integration in the theory, design, and/or operation of large, high-voltage electric systems in the United States." He retired from AEP at the end of 1987, continuing to work as an independent consultant, arbitrator, and mediator until 2001, when he retired a second time, at the age of 81. He saw much as a consequence of World War II. He traveled frequently, both professionally and as a tourist. He appreciated the contributions the world's cultures have made to this earth and he made an effort to enrich himself with these. He attended the ballet and the symphony, and visited museums as often as possible. He was an avid reader, particularly of world history. He often appeared most happy, almost giddy, when about to start a new book about some past empire, political event or eminent statesman. He was an athlete as well. He swam regularly all of his adult life. He enjoyed walks in the park, and whenever possible, on a South Carolina beach. In his later years, he maintained his walking regimen, but permitted himself to take frequent breaks to watch rustling squirrels, playing children, swooping birds, or maybe he'd stop to greet a neighborhood dog or smell a flower. These moments were important to him. Many will remember him as a strolling gentleman, quick with an amiable smile. He was brilliant. He loved his family. He was a kind man and he will be sorely missed. Predeceased by his wife or forty-nine years Martha Elizabeth Williams Vassell. He is survived by his daughter, Laura Kay Vasselle; his son, Thomas Gregory Vassell; and several extended family members in the United States and Europe. We wish to thank the staff at Dublin Methodist Hospital for their attentive care of our father. A memorial service will be held in celebration of his life on November 20, 2016 at 6 p.m. in the Convocation Room at Friendship Village of Dublin, 6000 Riverside Drive, Dublin, Ohio, 43017. A private family Christian burial will be held in Greensboro, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, http://www.salvationarmyusa.org. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL.