Bernard R. Cassidy

 

Bernard “Bernie” R. Cassidy, of Naugatuck, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 17, at the age of 100, after a brief stay at Waterbury Hospital.  He was the beloved husband of Florence (Sweeney) Cassidy.

Bernie was born on March 5, 1922, in Flushing, NY to John and Eva Cassidy.  Early in his childhood, Bernie, his parents, and his brother and sister moved to Beacon Falls, CT.

In spite of the Great Depression and brewing world turmoil, Bernie spent happy and healthy years growing up in Beacon Falls.  He attended local grammar schools then on to Naugatuck High School where he graduated with the class of 1939.  It was while in high school that he met his future wife, Florence Sweeney.  Bernie and Florence were married in October of 1944, a few weeks before he shipped out to fight in WWII.

Bernie joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and was stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia.  As WWII intensified, he was deployed to the European front in late October 1944.

Bernie was assigned to the 1st Division of the Infantry. His company maneuvered through perilous battle zones in Belgium, Germany, and France enduring harsh winter conditions, and fought on the front lines in the Battle of the Bulge.  During this time, Bernie was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Bernie was honorably discharged and returned home in March of 1946.  He and Florence set up residence in Naugatuck where they raised their three children.  Bernie always provided well for his family and worked at U. S. Rubber and the Bristol Company but most of his career was as an engineer at Timex in Middlebury, where he worked until his retirement in 1987.

In retirement, Bernie and Florence enjoyed spending time with their family and many friends.  They both enjoyed participating in numerous bridge clubs, playing golf, and taking trips around the U.S., Europe, and Bermuda. He particularly enjoyed their trips to Alaska to visit his son and grandchildren.  In his later years, he enjoyed watching TV and has likely seen every episode of Gunsmoke ever made.  He greatly enjoyed celebrating his 100th birthday last March and his 78th wedding anniversary last October.

He was a communicant of St. Francis Church in Naugatuck and served as an usher at Sunday morning mass for many years.

Bernie was a model husband and could not have been a better father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.  He was a kind and gentle man with a quick Irish wit and a smile for everyone.  Those he leaves behind will dearly miss him.

He is survived by his beloved wife Florence; their three children Kevin Cassidy of Anchorage, Alaska; Laureen Treu and husband Herb of Southbury, CT; Brian Cassidy and wife Sherri of Litchfield, CT; and two grand-daughters Kristin Cassidy of St Louis, MO, and Lauren Cassidy Gardner of Auckland, New Zealand.

Arrangements – Funeral service and committal in St. James Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours.  The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck is assisting with arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770.