William J. Cassidy III

1947 - 2015

BORN

1947

DIED

2015

About

Alfred University Bates College University of California| Berkeley Redwood High School

William Cassidy Obituary

William J Cassidy III 1/31/1947 - 4/28/2015 William J Cassidy III ("Billy") died unexpectedly at home in Bodega, CA on April 28th. Billy was born in San Francisco and grew up in Marin County, graduating from Redwood High School in 1965. He attended Bates College in Maine and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Religious Studies and a PhD from the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley in History and Phenomenology of Religion. Billy then taught at Alfred University in Alfred, NY for 20 years as a professor of Human Studies. In 2008, having retired from teaching, Billy returned to California and settled in Bodega where he further pursued his lifelong interest in Eastern religions and enthusiastically practiced Tai Chi - even giving up a few of his beloved NFL Sundays to attend classes. A dedicated skier, Billy enjoyed challenging the slopes from Tahoe to Sun Valley to Steamboat Springs. At home, books, discussions, and dinners with family and friends filled his days. He always had an attentive ear to any who needed one and was known for adding a slash of humor to his many tales. Billy is survived by his daughters Charlotte and Justine, sister Ann, and numerous cousins who will all treasure his memory. The family asks that memorial donations be made to: Bodega Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 28, Bodega, CA 94922; KDFC Listener-Supported Classical Radio, P.O. Box 6375, Artesia, CA 90702; Planned Parenthood, 1140 Sonoma Avenue, Building 3, Santa Rosa, CA 95495.

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on May 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William Cassidy

Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.

9 Entries

Alec Hirschfeld

July 24, 2024

I was surfing the internet and thought to look up my old friend, only to find that he was gone.

William J. Cassidy III.

Bill - He was my closest friend at Bates College; we were roommates in our sophomore year.

I was an acerbic New Yorker, ready with a wise crack. He had the laid back, west coast vibe. We were a good fit; so, naturally, we formed a band. We needed a bass player. Bill had never played bass; nevertheless, he purchased one from the local music shop in Lewiston Maine and learned how. We kept the band, Ralph and the Trees, running for two years. Our most noteworthy gig was at a local girl´s orphanage. The audience could not have been more enthusiastic if we had been the Beatles.

We shared Thanksgivings; freshman year in New York and sophomore year in Connecticut after his family had moved there. I left Bates after the 2nd year, but we kept the friendship for a few more years.

I have great memories of visiting him in San Francisco - we shopped at Tower Records, saw the very first performance of Hot Tuna, and drove to Mt. Tam.

Bill taught me how to be calm; how to walk away from confrontation. He was an important influence in my life.

I will never forget him.

I have a few old photos of Bill. I would be happy to mail them; need a mailing address. My email is [email protected].

Ian Adkins

July 15, 2023

I was a student of Bill's 20 years ago. He was so kind, so erudite, so zen. He actually took one of my papers and suggested I turn it into a thesis, which I later did, just a few years too late. There are few days he doesn't cross my mind, just a little. It is my fondest hope to continue the Great Conversation with him in the world to come.

Stacy Patty

December 18, 2015

Bill and I served together on the AAR Board of Directors. He was a great encourager, a generous friend, and a wise man. I only recently learned he had passed. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted.

July 23, 2015

How very sad. I am a doctoral student in your father's field and I have just read a book by him and came online to send him an email or FB message to ask a question about a footnote of his... and found that he has died. God Bless him and those who love him - The Rev Canon David Greenwood, Anglican Church of Canada

Kathy Wolney

May 24, 2015

Billy was a wonderful man; intelligent and wise, kind and with a terrific sense of humor. Over the years of our acquaintance, which dates to the early 70"s, he went from being my friend's brother to being my friend. We shared many dinners and other experiences, and i enjoyed his company so much. He was taken from us too soon, and I can hardly believe I won;t see him again. My most sincere condolences to his family.

Bruce Klepinger

May 23, 2015

In the past few years I saw Billy only once a year, but it was an event I looked forward to. Billy was engaging and he always had something thoughtful and genuine to say. Sympathetic and loving, one could only consider him a long time friend. Memories of our times spent together are cherished. He embodied the best of what good people are made of.

Mike mccann

May 23, 2015

great friend and the twinkle in his eyes

May 23, 2015

I only knew Billy for 7 or 8 years, but he made me feel like I knew him a lifetime. He was so kind, warm, funny and intelligent. I loved our conversations. He really understood life and wanted to share his joy and love with all.
Barbara Slade

Kristin Delaplane

May 22, 2015

With love...

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