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Francis J. Cassidy Jr.

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Hunter College University of Maine

Francis Cassidy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 19, 2012.

MACHIAS and FRANKLIN - Francis J. Cassidy Jr., 61, died of pancreatic cancer Jan. 17, 2012, in the Veterans Affairs hospice unit at Togus with his wife, Katherine, beside him. Previously of Brooklyn, N.Y., where he grew up with eight siblings in a spirited Irish Catholic family, he had been a proud Mainer for more than 30 years. He graduated from Nazareth High School, Hunter College and Pace University Law School, all in New York. For some of his finest years, 1968-1972, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee at Little Creek, Va. An attorney, he devoted himself to working with court-appointed clients in Hancock and Washington counties for 30 years. He loved working with those in the Washington County Courthouse and Jail across the street from his home. He believed in second and third chances, and volunteered with Judge Romei's Drug Court for five years. A selfless and giving man, Frank lived in Franklin his first 20 years in Maine. Eight years ago he and Katherine moved to Machias. With her and others, he was a co-founder of Machias Historical Society and Margaretta Days Festival. As a judge for the pie-eating contest of the Wild Blueberry Festival for three years, he dressed on those magical days in Machias in top hat and white tuxedo. Frank rarely appeared in public without a bow tie. He loved the University of Maine at Machias Ukulele Club, knitting, national parks, Pete Seeger and recounting a good story. But his first love was Civil War re-enacting. As a 20-year member of 20th Maine Company B, he took part in parades and encampments in dozens of Maine towns. He met the challenges of his illness with grace and a determination to live his life fully in spite of his diagnosis in November 2010. He leaves behind Katherine; two sons, Charles Furth-Cassidy of Bangor and George Furth-Cassidy of Waterloo, Iowa; plus one brother and seven sisters. We are most grateful for the tremendous professional care Frank received throughout his illness. We especially thank Dr. Patrick Daly and the palliative care staff at Togus. Frank's life will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Machias. Donations in his name may go toward a fund for gas cards for Washington County families traveling for cancer treatment, via Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, P.O. Box 322, Ellsworth, ME 04605.

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Recent Activity

January 31, 2012

Shannon Sapiel posted to the memorial.

January 30, 2012

Michael Celli posted to the memorial.

January 25, 2012

Jen Wood posted to the memorial.

32 Entries

Shannon Sapiel

January 31, 2012

Charles, Rachel and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad, may he now rest in peace. My sincere condolences.

Michael Celli

January 30, 2012

Katherine,

I have always said that the two dates on our tombstones are usually the most helpless times of our lives. On one of the dates you wear a diaper, have no hair or teeth, eat soft food, sleep all the time, and cry a lot. On the other date you are a baby. Although the above is supposed to be funny it is also true in many ways.
What is important on our tombstones is the DASH between those dates. When we come into this world our main charge is to make this world a better place than it was before we lived our lives. In our minds that dash on the tombstone can be almost invisible or it can be so long that it tempts to define eternity.
Frank's dash is like the later of those two lengths so completely that it almost proves Einstein's definition of infinity. Frank's dash is so long that he has already achieved one form of eternal life. I guess what I am trying to say is that an eternity from now something good will happen or some common day activity will occur that brings happiness and it will be so because of Frank's dash. There is not a stone on earth big enough to chisel it on.
Also know that if I can ever be of service or of help to you, please call me. The eight years you spent with Frank made his dash grow so much faster during that special time. You allowed him to accomplish many hundreds more good things for mankind than he would have achieved without you at his side. That will be part of your dash and the joint dash of the good y'all accomplished together.
Wow, by length of this tribute to Frank, you would think that I am a politician. Reality says that Frank's legacy makes these words to honor him flow with abundance and ease.
What a dash this guy has. God speed Frank and God bless you Katherine

PS. I will be putting forth in the House of Representatives a sentiment from the State of Maine honoring his life. Please let me know If you want to be present on the day that it is entered into the record, and I will send you the date.

Jen Wood

January 25, 2012

Dear Katherine,

We were so pleased when you & Frank moved into Machias and lovingly took over the Washington County Children's Program house on Free Street. Then, Frank became a WCCP board member where he served for many years. He was always very helpful in the program activities.

We shared a great love of knitting. And just before he passed, I began another pair of his famous lined mittens. That pattern, which he wrote, is a favorite of mine.

Wayne & I send you our deepest condolences, as do all of your friends at WCCP. Frank will be greatly missed by our community. God bless!

Jen & Wayne

Suzanne Ginger

January 22, 2012

Dear Katherine,

Your love and caring for Frank ran deep, like the mighty Mississippi. It was something special you two had.

While a different ending to Frank's saga would have been nice, it wasn't to be. Yet you guys made the most of your time together, and I admire both of your courage in the face of this ordeal.

Frank was spunky and witty -- not always the words found in a sentence describing a lawyer! He was an unusual guy -- sort of a Renaissance man -- who was just charming.

He was a good man, and that good lives on -- in your memory and in the thoughts of family and friends.

Prayers and peace,

Suzanne Ginger

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January 21, 2012

Frank was one of my co-op's best friends and supporters back in the early start up days. I remember him tying a tarp from my jeep to the building so we could break down the order in the pouring rain. That, of course, was in the early days when we were small and had not yet been granted the use of the inside of the building. I still have the mittens he knitted me, using them at school for recess duty. I was thrilled when he met and married Katherine and was pleased to be invited to sing at his wedding. A good, kind, and gentle man.
Tina

Josephine Pascucci

January 21, 2012

Growing up with the Cassidys was magic. And, FJ, as oldest son with 7 sisters was part of it all. Grammar school stories with FJ. I met my husband as a Cassidy friend. My children heard stories of when their dad was a little boy from Cassidys. Sitting with the Cassidys around a table Cassidys had all sat at since the 1840's when the house was built, with FJ handcrafting a lute or knitting, everyone together with tea and their latest project. Going to Christmas Midnight Mass with FJ and his sisters, him driving a wagon big enough to fit us all. And, noise-always talking, three or four conversations going on at once. FJ will always be remembered amid the wonderful chaos.

Andrew Sarto

January 21, 2012

Jeanne and I are saddened by the news of the death of our friend Frank. We will remember fondly our Civil War reenactments together. Our sympathies go out to Katheryn, Charles and George.

Joan Cain

January 20, 2012

I remember a lot of smiles and fun...ukulele enthusiasm! He will be missed & Katherine, my prayers are with you!

S Grant

January 20, 2012

My condolences to your family for your loss. Many thanks to Atty. Cassidy and all the help he provided to his clientele. He was a good man and will be missed by many.

Michael Celli

January 20, 2012

He was the man who first recruited me into the 20th Maine and the life of a reenactor. Thanks to his effort I was able to take part in this activity that became one of most loved things I have ever done in my life. How do you ever thank someone for making such an important and loved aspect of ones life a reality. I will miss his straight forward attitude that was based on the truth and we will all miss his great generosity to all mankind. He achieved the ultimate goal of every human by leaving this world a better place than it would have been without him. His achievements will make sure that even though he will be missed, he will never be forgotten.
Huzzah, Huzzah, Huzzah

Major Michael Celli
Regimental Surgeon
20th Maine Infantry Volunteers

Jim & Gene, Elm Street

January 20, 2012

KATHERYN:

OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE FOR YOUR UNDIVIDED COMMITMENT TO FRANK!

GOD is proud of YOU!!
We are all proud of YOU!!
You & Frank have Always been special for who YOU are; ALL you have done for the our great community: the GREAT MACHIAS & WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE!

GOD BLESS YOU!!

GOD'S LOVE & BLESSINGS & PRAYERS!

JIM & GENE.....
Appleman Bunner

THANK-YOU

January 19, 2012

A man of certain style, grace & dignity, we'll certainly miss you...particularly at downeast festivals and u m m ukulele forays... (the ingalls of cutler & machias)

Martha Sterling-Golden

January 19, 2012

He was an amazing guy married to an amazing woman. They were very fortunate to have shared this time together in a way that is an example for all.

Jo Ann Schorsch

January 19, 2012

I first met Frank when we served together on the Board of the Washington County Children's Program. He was always willing to serve with a gentle and giving heart.

Teresa Mueller

January 19, 2012

Goodbye, Cousin FJ! Your humility and courage in the face of cancer inspires me, but I will remember you especially for your active and lively mind and heart.

We send our love and condolences to Katherine, and of course to Pat, John, Betsy, Mary Lou, Gerry, Eileen, Meg and Kippy, and George and Charles.

Jim & Jean Poole

January 19, 2012

...an honorable, considerate, respected patriot and a Great American. Always thinking of those in need, even to the end of his days.

Sue St Clair

January 19, 2012

Frank was a great attourney and a great man. I remember fondly our co-op days in Sullivan on Sat mornings. And 20 yrs later, when I called for help, he gave me legal help over the phone, without hesitation. Soon after, I asked him to take my case, even though it had been 20 yrs since he drew up my will and POA, I KNEW who I wanted on my side in a courtroom. Unfortunately, 3 months later, he became sick and had to withdraw. I was not happy that he had to withdraw as my attourney but was much sadder about what this meant to the man that had been so wonderful every other sat morning @ co op. RIP Frank.

Denise Tepler

January 19, 2012

Wishing Frank peace and the grace of God and sending Katherine strength and love.

Katherine Mahon

January 19, 2012

Sending love and peace to Katherine, family and friends of Frank.

January 19, 2012

My sincere condolence to Katherine and her family. May God's love and peace be with you at this most difficult time.
Sr. Margaret

Sandra Basgall

January 19, 2012

Frank will be missed, but his good work will live on.

Darlene Coltart, Co B, 20th ME Reg

January 19, 2012

My condolences,Frank will be missed!

Lorna Goodwin

January 19, 2012

Memories are priceless they are eternal possessions!

January 19, 2012

Oh Katherine, you have come so far on this journey. Please know that Glenn and I send our love, courage and support to you at this time. Please treat yourself gently throught the healing that must happen for you now. Jeannine (LeBlanc) and Glenn Grant

Janet Mills

January 19, 2012

God bless you, Frank, and sincere condolences to his loving wife Katherine and extended family.

Richard Lamasney

January 19, 2012

We are reminded of the old Irish rejoinder from the departed to the grieving: "Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you. I loved you so. . . . 'twas heaven here with you."
Rich Lamasney & Lori Cole

Richard Pierce

January 19, 2012

This was very sad news. Frank was a good friend and comrade while we campaigned together. We shared many adventures that I never will forget. My condolences to his family.

Tom and Leila Haddad

January 19, 2012

Rest well, dear Frank. With G-d's Strength, dear Katherine, press on.
We 'spect that Glorious Shout waits just around the bend.
Precious memories, ceaseless comfort, till His Victory's won,
Dear sons and family, hold on, hold on, till death greets its end.

May that Day be right forthcoming when you will be reunited...we so much look forward to that time when these tragedies will be no more! May you have the Peace that passes understanding until then!!
Tom and Leila

January 19, 2012

Frank: Peace surrounded you. Now we must help Katherine through this tough transition without you.

Betty Beal

January 19, 2012

Katherine,My deepest sympathy.My prayers are still with you.Keep in touch.

Paul & Dotty Dudley

January 19, 2012

"We shall meet , but we will miss him.
There will be one vacant chair.
We shall linger to caress him,
While we breathe our ev'ning prayer."

Velton Peabody

January 19, 2012

Condolences to Katherine and other family members. I will always cherish the memories of those church suppers and conversations we shared at Cherryfield a few years back.

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