William D. Vass of Hillsville, Virginia, formerly of Lunenburg, Massachusetts died in April 1998 from complications of Type 1 diabetes mellitus. He was 58.

A former longtime USCF member and member of the Wachusett Chess Club in Fitchburg, Mass., Mr. Vass was born on April 8, 1940 in Hillsville, the son of Maynard G. and Ethel (Ayers) Vass. He taught mathematics at Fitchburg High School for many years before he retired and left Fitchburg in June 1990 to move back to live with his family in Hillsville.

A Class A player who competed in many tournaments in Massachusetts during the 1970s and '80s, Mr. Vass played a key role in the establishment of the North Worcester County Scholastic Chess League, which flourished from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. He coached the Fitchburg High School chess team to several winning seasons. On April 2, 1985, he played in the celebrated Wachusett Chess Club vs. Framingham Chess Club match at the American Legion in Framingham, Mass.

He is survived by two sisters, Joyce Hodges of Hillsville and Susan Temple of Rocky Mount, Virginia; nephews and nieces.

Obituary submitted by George Mirijanian, Massachusetts Chess Association

William D Vass - may you rest in peace.