Michael Paul Cass

1956 - 2024

Michael Paul Cass
Michael Paul Cass, age 68 of Berlin, CT and Dennisport, MA, entered into eternal rest on November 25, 2024, with the valiant, enduring, fighting warrior spirit for which he was known. He passed from this earth cradled in the loving arms of his devoted wife and caregiver Rebecca "Becky" and his adoring children Sean and Briana at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Michael, was born on February 29, 1956 to William and Marjorie Cass. He attended St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, and ultimately transferred to Kenmore West High School in Buffalo, NY, where he became a NY Regent Scholar. He developed a lifelong passion for space and the aeronautical industry and planned to pursue a career as an astronaut. Following the advice from his father, he shifted his aeronautical passion to the study of Nuclear Engineering. Mike pursued his undergraduate degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, earning a BS and MS in nuclear engineering. Brilliantly educated he later earned his MBA from the RPI affiliate in Hartford CT, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Western New England College of Law in Massachusetts, passing the Connecticut Bar 1993. The breadth of Michael's employment was rich and diverse commencing with his career at Millstone Nuclear Power Plant, and Northeast Utilities as a nuclear regulatory engineer. It was there that he met the love of his life, Becky. He later transferred to the New York Power Authority in White Plains, NY, where he was Assistant to the Plant Manager at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. Mike ultimately advanced his stellar career at American Nuclear Insurers, (ANI) a voluntary joint underwriting association writing property and casualty insurance for the world-wide nuclear energy industry. Beginning as an engineer, Mike rose to Counsel, and ultimately to General Counsel managing the Association's property insurance claim operation. In 2017, Mike most deservedly was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of ANI. He served on a number of national and international Boards and was a most respected and admired member of the ANI Association often noted as "The face of ANI," He retired in 2020 having dedicated 33 years to ANI and 46 years to the nuclear industry. Mike has served extensively as a member of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity, was philanthropic in charitable donations to the United Way, Catholic Charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Wounded Warriors, and The Gary Senise Foundation. He was on the Board of Directors for the Nuclear Energy Institute, was a member of The American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association, the International Nuclear Law Association, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineering. Mike was a devoted member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Berlin. Mike is survived by his adored and loving wife of 42 years, Rebecca, his son, Sean Patrick Cass of NYC, his daughter Briana Christen Cass of NYC, and her fiancé David Hamilton Bradley who are to be wed in April of 2025. He is also survived by his siblings, William and Diana Cass of Sandy, UT, Karen and David Nowak of Angola, NY, Molly Breen of Hinsdale, IL, Maureen Whistler of Bellingham, WA, Gina Cass of Cornwall, VT, and Brian Cass of Boulder, UT. He was revered and adored by many beloved nieces and nephews. As a devoted father Mike adored his children and provided endless support for them as a coach, a mentor, as a gifted educator. He was also a devoted husband and soulmate to his Becky of 42 years. Mike will forever be remembered as a stellar human being and a man of tremendous character. He was authentic, compassionate, generous, giving, loving and kind. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope. He was our rock and an anchor, and an extraordinary human being, iconic and legendary .His untimely passing is an exquisite loss and he most assuredly will never be forgotten. A tribute to Mike's life was held with friends and relatives on Sunday, December 1st, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, at 20 Bonair Avenue, Newington. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 2nd at 8:45 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Church in Berlin. Mike was laid to rest in Wilcox Cemetery in East Berlin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charities listed above. To share a memory, please visit us at www.duksa.net.