Robert J. Cassidy

1949 - 2021

Robert J. Cassidy
PEORIA – Robert J. "Bob" Cassidy, 71, of Peoria passed away peacefully at his home at 7:15 pm on July 2, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
He was born on September 19, 1949, in Peoria, the son of Robert A. Cassidy "Bib" and Delores M. (Wyzlic) Cassidy. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, John A. Cassidy. Surviving are his wife, Mary A. Cassidy; and four children, Bobby (Toni) Cassidy II of Bartonville, Erica (Jeremy) Placher of Dunlap, Bret (Kirbie) Cassidy of Edelstein, and Nicole (Nate) Shaw of Bartonville; five grandchildren, Roman and Sophia Cassidy, Nolan, Pierce, and Brooks Placher. Also surviving are Bob's sisters, Linda (David) Ogle of Spring Bay, Karen Clark of Florida,and Donna (Ray) Crawl of Mapleton.
Bob married Mary Alycia Navarro April 4, 1970. They raised four children in Bartonville. Bob and Mary were high school sweethearts and recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Their marriage serves as a wonderful example of the importance of love, forgiveness, and a sense of humor through life's many ups and downs.
Bob was born and raised in the South Side of Peoria. He attended St. Boniface Grade School and graduated from Manual High School in 1969. Following high school, Bob completed a 5-year Steamfitter apprenticeship and then became a devoted member of Steamfitters Local 353. During his 50-year career within the Steamfitter Union he held many positions including: Business Agent, Business Manager, and in 2009 retired as a state organizer for the Illinois Pipe Trades. He also served on multiple committees and was a union steward for Edward Station and Pabst. Bob loved traveling with Mary for his Union brotherhood and always made memorable experiences for all who he encountered.
While retired Bob enjoyed golfing, vacationing, and spending time with his family. The highlight of his retirement was being a full time Grandpa. One of his greatest enjoyments was watching his grandchildren play sports. Bob was an avid golfer, joke teller, sports fan and coach. He coached countless soccer, softball, baseball and football teams over the years. He had a way of getting the best out of every kid he coached. Leading and living by example, he always put others before himself and always gave more than he received. Bob had a great sense of humor with one of kind personality and left an unforgettable impression on all who met him.
Described best by his children, "He was protective, caring, warm, selfless and candid." Bob was an incredible father that always had the perfect advice for every situation. Bob always had time for his children. He served as an endless source of guidance, fatherly advice, discipline, and humor (whether you asked for it or not) to his children and their many friends. Bob and Mary always had an open-door policy to all and always made everyone feel comfortable. Bob taught his children the importance of laughter and to not take life too seriously. Although he will be tremendously missed his legacy will live forever through his family. We are all blessed to have had Bob in our lives.
"A life measured in smiles far exceeds a life measured in miles."
Special thanks to his dedicated caregivers, Amanda Kerker, Monique Marin and Trina Jansen, and our multitude of wonderful friends, neighbors and family, who supported and cared so much for Bob and his family during his illness (Mike and Cheryl McLuckie, best neighbors ever!).
The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. A rosary service will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday also at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2021, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Peoria. Bob's funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. also on Monday at his church. Rev. Fr. Jeremy Freehill will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Affiliate Clinic in Peoria or the American Lung Association.
Online condolences may be left for Bob's family at www.davison-fulton.com.