Rich Cassista

Richard R. Cassista of Branford and North Port, Florida, died Friday December 27, 2024 at his home in Branford. He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Carol Esposito Cassista.
Rich was born on May 28, 1941, a son of the late Leon and Marion Hall Cassista. He worked as a sheet metal worker at Local 40 for many years until he retired. He was a volunteer firefighter in Branford for 50 years with the Hook & Ladder Company 1. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, watching Tara achieve her goals, and in May watched Julia receive her Bachelor's Degree in nursing in Florida.
In addition to Carol, Rich is survived by his sons, Richard R. Cassista, Jr. of Omaha, NE, and Craig S. Cassista (Paige Odell)(Cole Greenwood) of Killingworth; his granddaughters, Julia and Tara Cassista and his sister Betty Soufrine of Woodbridge. He was predeceased by his brother Ernest Cassista. Rich's family extends a special thank you to his incredible care team at Smilow Cancer Hospital, especially Dr. Gorshein.
Visiting hours are Tuesday January 7th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Bosco Parish in St. Mary Church on Wednesday January 8th at 10:00. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, 35 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519.