Charles "Chuck" Cassidy

Charles "Chuck" Cassidy
When you think of the words "Good Man," the definition is Chuck Cassidy.
Born in Big Rapids, Michigan, on February 27, 1935, Chuck came into the world as the oldest of four children. Life asked a lot of him early. He was raised by his grandparents and, at just sixteen, he left home determined to build something better for himself. He worked whatever jobs he could find, carving out a path one small step at a time.
A turning point came when an uncle in Lansing encouraged him to apply at the Board of Water and Light. That bit of luck-and a lot of hard work-changed everything. Chuck spent 19 years there, earning the stability he'd never had and the chance to finish his high school education at Sexton. It was there he met his future wife, Carol, and a circle of friends who stayed with him for life.
Chuck later joined the National Guard, serving on weekends for eight years while completing his Bachelor of Arts in Teaching. It was a decision that opened the door to the work he would come to love most. He became a woodworking and history teacher at Hayes Middle School. While he was a gifted educator, his heart was truly in coaching girls volleyball and basketball. He coached for decades, retiring at 70, and helped other teams even after retirement. He never stopped being "Coach Cassidy." Throughout his life, former Grand Ledge students recognized him everywhere-police officers, nurses, paramedics, even a cardiologist. They remembered his quiet encouragement, and the way he made kids believe they could do more than they thought.
With his lifelong friends, Chuck helped build three homes in their "spare" time-including the home he lived in for the rest of his life. Those friendships, forged in sweat, sawdust, and endless weekends, became part of the foundation he stood on.
His second act brought a new blessing, marrying Susan Clark, or "Susie" as he fondly called her. Together they shared a love of gardening, creating a spectacular backyard sanctuary that hosted wedding showers, baby showers, and many hours filled with laughter and beauty.
Chuck loved the quieter pleasures of life too. He loved his chocolate labs and was a big dog lover. He also enjoyed a competitive game of cribbage; hours spent learning the complexities of day trading; and had a deep love of reading, especially historical biographies and politics. And if it was MSU football or basketball season, you could find him in his loveseat with Susie, cheering, analyzing, and offering commentary to anyone willing to listen. In the growing season, he could be found at Countryside Greenhouse shopping for flowers, planting and watering them with care.
A Life Deeply Connected to Family
Chuck was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Sue Cassidy, and by his brother Joey Cassidy. He is survived by his wife, Susan Clark Cassidy, who brought partnership and joy into the second half of his life.
He is also survived by his sons:
• Brian Cassidy, and former wife Melissa, and their children Ian, Zach, Clayton, and great-grandson, Henry.
• Eric Cassidy and his wife Paula, and grandchildren Diego and Abby.
Through Sue, Chuck's family expanded with stepchildren he loved:
• David Clark and his wife Kristin Schoof Clark; grandchildren Parker (Brooke VanElls Clark), and Grant Clark.
• Carrie Clark-Berry and her husband Eric; grandchildren Emily Berry Oldeck (Jarrett Oldeck), Jack Berry (Mykenzie Hoezee Berry}.
• Amy Clark Hayes and Dan Hayes; grandchildren Abby Hayes Kiser (Justin Kiser), and great granddaughter Josie, and Hannah Hayes LeTarte (Michael Letarte) and great grandson Ignatius.
Chuck is also survived by his siblings Tom Cassidy and Lois Griener.
This wide, multigenerational family-children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, and everyone who married in-was his greatest pride. He lived long enough to see them all grow, change, and find their own paths. Nothing made him happier than family.
A private burial and family gathering will be held in the spring.
Donations may be made in Chuck's honor to Sparrow Hospice House or Capital Area Humane Society.
Your stories and memories are warmly welcomed in the comments below.