Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert Cassell Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

CASSELL, Robert B. ROBERT B. CASSELL 93 years old, of Glen Lakes, Weeki Wachee, FL, passed away Jan. 3, 2012. Survived by loving wife, Angela Richards Cassell; son, Dr. Robert (Maryann) Cassell; grandchildren, Robert, William (Chrissy), Kevin; also grandfather to Kimberly (Jim) Distin, Christopher Richards, Sessa Richards; great-grandfather to Marissa, Chase; stepsons, John (Janet) Richards, Timothy Richards; sister-in-law, Anabel Cassell; many nieces and nephews and loving friends. He came here seven years ago from Atlanta, GA. Robert was a WWII Army Veteran. He was the Chief Research Scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He liked to read and do Crossword Puzzles. August 27, 2011 he was the recipient of the first award given by the International Economic Development Association for his continuing support. Visitation will be on Jan. 6, 2012 (Friday) at Downing Funeral Home between 2-5 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church Jan. 7, 2012 (Saturday) at 9:30 am. Interment will be Monday 11 am at Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell with Military Honors. Downing Funeral Home 352- 684-5334. www.DowningFuneralHM.net

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

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cassell

Not sure what to say?





Jeffrey Finkle

January 9, 2012

Bob was a real leader in the field of economic development and he was a mentor to many. His contributions to economic development education will be long remembered and practiced by many who come long after him.

As a young association executive I found Bob to be very approachable and encouraging. I was pleased when the International Economic Development Council gave him a special award in 2011 for his lifetime of professional practice.

He will be missed.

January 9, 2012

Those of us who practiced economic development stood, and stand, on Bob Cassell's shoulders. Without him the profession would have not had the standards and measures it has today. Georgia Tech may have been his base but the world was his operating base.
Jim Garver (Lake Murray South Carolina)

January 9, 2012

Bob Cassell's years of loving leadership and guidance contributed greatly to the professionalism of industrial and economic development and to countless individual practitioners.

The SEDC and its members have lost a giant. We have lost a friend and our sympathy and prayers go to Bob's family.

Wally and Suzy Gieringer Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Tom Glanton

January 9, 2012

'Once upon a time' I was young and found Bob to be a trusted mentor and, more importantly, a friend. Plus, one cannot think of Bob without thinking about his 'editing' pencil! That pencil taught me how to proof read!!!!!!!

What do I remember most about Bob? His BIG laugh and smile! From those days, I also remember Ila Benson and Dr. George Whitlatch who were always there to help us young people. My friend Bob was the consummate professional but, more importantly, he was lovable. I will always have these memories of working side by side with Bob inside the office and at the seminar/workshops throughout Georgia.

Susan Shows

January 6, 2012

I have so many happy (and hysterical) memories of my time with Bob at the annual Basic ED Course at Georgia Tech. Bob influenced generations of ED professionals, and advanced the field is so many ways. Gary and I enjoyed our friendship with Bob and Angela long after he stepped down as Director of the Basic course. Our thoughts and prayers are with Angela and his family.

Keith Taylor

January 6, 2012

Bob's dedication, perserverance and creativity was instrumental in paving the way for making the economic development field a true profession. What a great contribution to our society.

Bob Simmons

January 6, 2012

Thank you Bob for all you did to enable those of us in the economic development field to be called professionals. Thank you for your mentorship as I began my career in economic development. Without that guidance and words of wisdom, I doubt any successes I have enjoyed would have transpired. We all owed you much more than we could have ever repaid. Rest well my friend. Bob Simmons, Atlanta, GA

Ron Swager

January 5, 2012

One of the last poineers of the profession. He was a leader, a visionary, a mentor, and dear friend. His legacy lives on in the countless economic developers who benefit from his dedicated service.

s m

January 5, 2012

MR Cassell will be greatly missed ,may the peace of GOD be with you at this time of your grief(PHL4:7).

Sherry Parker

January 5, 2012

Bob was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by those who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow.

January 5, 2012

We'll miss you Bob- Tucson Roberts

David Hutchison

January 5, 2012

Bob was an inspiration to me about 37 years ago when I first entered this profession when he taught the Basic Course at Georgia Tech. He was a friend, a professional and a leader in economimc development for many years. It was my honor to know him. My sympathies to the family and his many friends.

January 5, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bob White

January 5, 2012

Bob Cassell was already a "legend" in economic development when I entered the profession more than 25 years ago. When I think of professional development in this field, I will always remember Bob's many contributions...and his wonderful sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to his family and all his many friends.

Peter Banks

January 5, 2012

Bob was one of the pioneers of economic development in Georgia. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Cassell's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Cassell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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 Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

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
How to Write an Obituary

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

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
Ways to honor Robert Cassell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

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

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

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

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