Thomas B. Cassidy

Cassidy, Thomas B. Beloved Husband, World's Best Dad and Overall Fantastic Man died unexpectedly at his Clark Lake home on Sunday, October 4, 2009, at the young age of 62. Tom was born to Dr. Robert H. and Caroline (Baker) Cassidy on March 10, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI, at the tender age of 14, he met his soul mate, Betty Jo "BJ" Gustafson in high school homeroom in Milwaukee. She became Mrs. Thomas B. Cassidy on July 8, 1967. Tom and BJ enjoyed a wonderful life with their two children, Sara Jo and Thomas Jr. (And we'd be remiss not to mention his four-legged children Sail, Abby and Clark.) Tom is survived by his soul mate and best friend of more than 48 years, BJ, and their two children, Sara Jo Cassidy (Brad Smith) and Thomas (Amanda) Cassidy, Jr. He is further survived by his sisters, Jane (Dr. Bill) Dicus; Joan (David) Kresl; and his brother, Dr. Robert (Kathy) Cassidy, Jr. He is also survived by BJ's siblings, Jack (Karen) Gustafson; Ronald Gustafson; and Gail (Donald) Jackson. He is also survived by four grandchildren Dylan, Nathan, Shane and Shannon Smith; numerous nieces and nephews; and the Clark Lake family and Montesa, Arizona family. Tom was a special, charismatic man, loved by many special friends, all over the world. He will be sorely missed by Bob and Lainie Kufrin; Les and Barb Kozlow, Bill and Katie Hebel; Clyde and Nancy Hutchinson; and "Green Bay Birthday Club," just to name a few. Tom had an illustrious life with BJ by his side; he graduated from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 1971. He continued his education after a brief stint in the United States Navy as a Corpsman. Following his service to our wonderful country, he furthered his education by earning a Masters Degree in Exceptional Education from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Tom spent many years educating the disadvantaged and learning disabled youth in Milwaukee County. As part of his tenure as an educator, Tom and the rest of the family were able to spend entire summers frolicking along the waters of Lake Michigan on a plethora of different sailboats. In 1984, the Cassidy family moved from Wauwatosa to Green Bay. Tom encouraged BJ to follow her career goals, and with that required the family to uproot and move to the land of the "Cheeseheads." As part of the new adventure in Green Bay, Tom successfully started a professional recruiting business named Cassidy & Associates. And through that journey, Tom found his niche and was extremely successful. Both Tom and BJ retired, or as they liked to call it "graduated," in 2002. They spent their time living the dream in Door County and traveling the country in their RV, before settling on a winter destination in Arizona. Tom and BJ exemplified true love and were the happiest, most in love couple in the world. Tom was a member of the Jacksonport Methodist Church, Clark Lake Advancement Board of Director, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Masonic Order. He also volunteered for the American Red Cross. Tom was preceded in a call home to the Lord by his parents and BJ's parents Jack and Betty Gustafson. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Sturgeon Bay with the Rev. Earl Lindsay officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Jacksonport. Military honors will be provided at the church following the service. Tom's family will greet guests on Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM. Following the services, the family will greet all guests in the fellowship hall for one of Tom's "Happy Meals," all are invited. Tom's family would prefer that instead of flowers being sent, memorials be given to the Tom Cassidy Sr. Memorial Fund, 5522 Clark Lake Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. online condolences and sign guest book at: www.huehnsfuneralhome.com