MADISON – Michael Monod Cassidy, born on Feb. 2, 1946, the fourth child of Frederic and Hélène (Monod) Cassidy, died on Jan. 3, 2021, after a year-long battle with MDS and leukemia. Mike is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn; son, Nick (Jenny); daughter, Danielle (Jake); grandchildren, Emerson and Ione; brother, Victor (Donna); sister, Claire (John); nieces, Jennifer, Charlotte, and Julie; and nephews, Alexander and Mark.

A lifelong Madison resident, Mike attended West High where he met his high school sweetheart, Jackie. In 1966, Mike volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army, eventually reaching the rank of Specialist (E-5). Married in 1967, Mike and Jackie spent their honeymoon driving the ALCAN Highway to Anchorage, Alaska, where Mike was stationed. Anchorage became their first home together. Mike was honorably discharged in 1969. He went on to obtain a B.S. from UW–Madison (1972) and a J.D. from UW Law School (1974). In 1978, Mike and Jackie welcomed their daughter into the world, followed by their son in 1979. They celebrated their 53rd anniversary on Nov. 11, 2020.

Mike was a caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was always there to provide sound advice, a bit of wit or wisdom, or a shoulder to cry on. Among his many charms was his radiant joie de vivre. He couldn't resist doling out an affectionate ribbing to family, friends, and strangers alike. Generous and kind to all who knew him, Mike enjoyed learning regardless of the subject, word play, poetry, badinage, problem solving, good food, and brown Birkenstocks. He adored surprising Jackie with clever, original verse and thoughtful gifts, and cherished their travels together. Mike also enjoyed fishing with John, football games with Nick, botanizing with Danielle, shamelessly doting on his grandchildren, dinners with good friends, swimming in the ocean, biking around Madison, baking bread, Elvis Presley, Tex Ritter, a good book in his favorite chair, and of course, the Badgers and the Packers. Above all, he savored laughter and living in the moment. He will be missed terribly.

Mike and his family were very appreciative of the superb medical care he received from the doctors and nurses of UW Hospital, particularly the Carbone Cancer Center. Special thanks are due his hematologist, Dr. Ryan Mattison, for his dedication to Mike's case.

Mike will be interred at Forest Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held sometime in the summer or fall, once it is safer to travel and gather. In Mike's honor, please consider donating blood or platelets to the Red Cross or donating to UW Carbone Cancer Center research, as both places were essential to Mike's care following his diagnosis.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434

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Published by Madison.com on Jan. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cassidy

Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.

4 Entries

Meredith, RN

April 1, 2021

I am so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I enjoyed caring for him and appreciated his sharp wit. My sincerest condolences.

Pat Brown Rude

January 17, 2021

Jackie, My deepest sympathies as I just got word from Pat Devit Hendrikson about Mike´s passing. What a wonderful life he had according to his
obituary. I´ve lived in Rhode Island for 45 years now but am hoping to get back to our next reunion.

GordonRanum

January 17, 2021

Jackie, Nick and Danielle, my deep sympathies for the loss of Michael. He was the senior, longest serving member of our poker group. (Remembering Erwin Knoll, Sam Day, Jack Jallings.) Before Matt R. also, who invited me in around 1987. (Dan Wisniewski gone too this year.)
Mike was very proud of his family. I recall he got Nick into some of games at the Cassidy home when a spot was open. That was fun Nick. About the only "tell" I could really spot on Mike was when he had a slam dunk winner like a straight flush. He was a dogged competitor but I could sometimes see him thinking "don´t wag tail, "don´t wag tail". I could also tell he was going to share a funny joke, anecdote or humorous observation. His eyes would lock on a wee bit more than usual and I would egg him on " you got something". Oh boy did he relish a ribbing, a good story or joke but especially poker. He seldom missed our bi-weekly game and he really liked to host. Thanks Cassidy´s, especially you Jackie. I always looked forward to our short chats to catch up with family news and share some of mine. Thanks for letting us in your beautiful home so often. Love to you all. I´m sure going to miss Michael too. He was always ready for some ribald fun, a beer or two and he made the game interesting and fun. Sadly gone too soon.

The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

January 17, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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