Michael Francis Cassidy

On April 12th, 2024, the world lost an irreplaceable man, Dr. Michael Francis Cassidy. Born November 30th, 1950, in Queens, New York. Michael was the youngest child of Ursula Dooley Cassidy and Willie Cassidy. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Cecille (Robert), and brothers William (Fran), and Joseph (Suzanne).

Michael was born in Jamaica, Queens and attended Bishop Loughlin High School and Manhattan College before obtaining his Master's degree from The University of Southern California in Library Science. Michael received an additional Bachelor of Arts from The California Institute of the Arts in Film, finally and his Doctorate in Systems from Indiana University.

Michael had more than 45 years of professional experience in teaching, research, consulting, training, management, and social science. His specialties included statistics, biostatistics, research methods and decision analysis. He worked with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Marymount University, Georgetown University, Rutgers University, St. Cloud State University, and Carson-Newman University. He led the design and development of the Systems Engineering curriculum at AT&T Bell Laboratories, and he provided training to multiple organizations in topics such as decision analysis, designing graphical displays, project management, and questionnaire design. As a social scientist he worked on dozens of projects including at The World Bank, Secret Service, FBI, CIA, and the New York Stock Exchange.

Michael is survived by the love of his life, Noreen Cullinan Cassidy, his wife of 52 years. Their marriage was a pillar of love, compassion, and unwavering support.

Michael is also survived by his children Megan Herscher (Adam), Brendan Cassidy, Patrick Cassidy (Kate), and five grandchildren -three of which his namesakes Evelyn Cassidy Herscher, Charlie Michael Herscher, Ian Herscher, Cassius Cassidy, & Cormac Michael Cassidy.

An instrument of good, he fulfilled his intention of leaving the world better than he found it. Michael brought light to the world through his humor, wit, and compassion. A true renaissance man, his love for life showed in his passion for writing, photography, philosophy, nature, literature, film, wood-working, gardening, cooking, and travel. He was a poet and a great writer. Michael's sense of humor made those around him smile, bringing levity to a world that surely needed it. His love of animals showed his deep kindness to the world and his self-less nature.

His relationship with his children and grandchildren was filled with daily correspondence, and his absence will leave a matchless void. Michael's legacy will live on in the memories of his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.