Dr. John F. Cassidy

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John Cassidy Obituary

Cassidy, Dr. John F. CASHIERS, N.C. Dr. John Francis Cassidy Jr. of Johns Creek, Ga., affectionately known as "Jack-o," passed away on October 25, 2021, in Asheville, N.C. after a fall causing head trauma. He was 77 years old soon to be 78. The son of John Francis Cassidy Sr. and Beverly Ann Blowers, he was born in Troy on November 26, 1943. He graduated from Columbia High School in East Greenbush, and earned a B.S., master's degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Francis Cassidy Sr. and Beverly Ann Blowers; and his brother, Terence James Cassidy. He is survived by his wife, Paulina Concetta and kids, Rachel Marie Cassidy (Tracy Mack Brown) and Sean Michael Cassidy (Katherine Anne Cassidy); sister, Michele Ann Suriano; grandchildren, Nicolas Cassidy and Emily Cassidy, and Jackson, Cassidy and Caden Brown; and nieces and nephews, Terry Cassidy Jr and Monique Cassidy, Nicolina Suriano, Jason Suriano and Jennifer McGuire. If interested in attending memorial services, please reach out to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Emory Winship Cancer Institute, both critical in John's battle against cancer, and the Glennville-Cashiers Rescue Squad which was critical in his most recent struggle.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Oct. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Cassidy

10 Entries

Ray Ash

April 9, 2023

I am just now learning of Jack's unexpected and tragic death in October of 2021. It was a shock to me, and brought back many memories of my life experiences with Jack.

I first met Jack in September of 1964 when I began my graduate studies at RPI. He had just graduated from RPI and was beginning his own graduate studies. His advisor was Dr. Rob Roy, whose office was directly across the hall from mine, so I interacted often with Jack and his fellow students John Riganati and Chet Winsor. We were working at that time on Stabilizing Atlas Rockets after Launch, carrying Satellites into orbit.

We all graduated with PhD's in June of 1969. Jack took a job with General Motors, leading early efforts to use computers in cars. He later moved to United Technologies where he became Director of Research & Development. I was in Cincinnati working for Procter & Gamble, and interacted frequently by phone with Jack. He successfully defeated early onset cancer. I saw him on occasion at Technical Conferences which we both attended.

I am very sad to have lost on of my best and longest friends, in such a senseless and tragic way. I send my condolences to his wife Pauline and his family. He will surely be missed.

RIP, Jack. You were one of the very best.

(Photo: Jack & Pauline Cassidy - October 15, 2010)

John Riganati

October 23, 2022

A year has passed since Jack´s death so he is by now very comfortable rambling around heaven. I think of him often and it does not seem possible that he has left our world and become the Spirit he always was. As young men we learned how to cope with our complex world together. For example, when we lived on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie with the 80- something van Kleek sisters. We walked north ( against traffic) one evening to play basketball. I did not have sneakers and played in my stocking feet despite Jack´s warning- and created blisters as he said. Walking home south on the busy but wide Route 9 we walked side by side. At one point I felt a "breeze" as a truck zoomed past - the breeze was the truck´s stick-out mirror. I would have left this world right then if I had been 2" to my left. I hobbled single file following Jack the rest of the way " home." Living with Jack was always an adventure. I pray the Lord will welcome me someday as he has welcomed Jack.

John Riganati

October 23, 2022

A year has passed since Jack´s death so he is by now very comfortable rambling around heaven. I think I´d him often and it does not seem possible that he has left our world and become the Spirit he always was.
As young me we learned how to cope with our complex world together. For example, when we lived on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie with the 80- something van Kleek sisters we walked one evening to play basketball. I did not have sneakers and played in my stocking feet despite Jack´s warning- and created blisters as he said. Walking home south on the busy but wide Route 9 we walked side by side. At one point I felt a "breeze" as a truck zoomed past - the breeze was the truck´s stick out mirror I would have left this world right then if I had been 2" to my left. I hobbled single file the rest of the way " home."
Living with Jack was always an adventure. I pray the Lord will welcome me someday as he has welcomed Jack.

Allan Kotwicki

November 22, 2021

I was recently recalling memorable people encountered in my career. John F. Cassidy was up there near the list´s top. In 1971 I was employed at Bell Labs but taking a U of M Ann Arbor summer class. During breaks, talking with one of my classmates from GM, my electrical engineering, computer, and prior automotive background during undergrad made him mention a new small Computer in the Car team being formed at GM Research. I cut a day of class, drove to the GM Tech Center, and got a job in that small 7 person Electronics Department team John led. The `how tos´ of achieving emissions control and improved fuel economy weren´t well known, and during the next 10 years John with the rest of us had an opportunity and the satisfaction to start solving these problems for our society. Besides his technical work early on, John learned the knack of getting new technology into an old organization, took the management path, and rose to Assistant Department Head before moving to more varied horizons at United Technologies. Sadly, I found his whereabouts and how I might make contact around 10/15/21, and was saddened to find his obituary several days ago. A remarkably talented, adaptable individual. Requiescat In Pace, John.

Alan Eckbreth

November 9, 2021

So sorry to hear about John's passing. I worked directly under John my last ten years at UTRC and greatly respected his leadership and liked him personally, can't say that about all bosses. He really kept me on my toes. All questions were entertained but be careful not to ask a dumb one!! I fondly remember many great times. Particularly the wonderful dinners at MHI corporate headquarters in Tokyo or Yokohama with John and his MHI counterpart, Ayao Tsuge. Or the trip I accompanied him on to Israel to view tech startups; had my first helicopter ride to the north of the country. I have many photos of those occasions rekindling fond memories. I've attached a photo when John presented me with my 25 year service award. John wrote on the back "Congratulations. Why do you look happy and I look surprised." To Paulina and the entire family, I offer my sincerest condolences.

Michel Grabon

November 4, 2021

I had a chance to meet John several years ago. Despite relatively large difference in our ages (almost 20 years) I felt like his friend. He was a "big boss, I was a "small "engineer"... The best souvenir I have is our common trip to Vatican where we have visited with his wife, sister and his siter husband, Sistine Chapel. Beautiful souvenirs from visiting Chapel and... good restaurants.
My condolences to his family.
Michel Grabon

John Riganati

November 3, 2021

Jack a I were roommates in college when we each worked for IBM ( with Billy Puskas). His work ethic was impressive. We watched the Cuban missile crisis together on the small B and White TV owned by the elderly sisters from whom we rented rooms in Poughkeepsie, NY and were sure we would be drafted. Later, JoAnn (who did not drive ) was driven to grocery shopping by Pauli. Our youth went by quickly but it changed our lives forever.
Is Rachel still called "Rachel-uch". Our first tour of the small apartment rented by Jack and Pauli never ceases to bring to mind the tour of the "playroom" right off the kitchen ! God is good. Jack is with him now.

Paula Cholmondeley

November 2, 2021

I served with John on the board of Albany International. He forever changed my opinion for the better about board service. He was so generous with his knowledge.

Keene R. Hallenbeck

October 30, 2021

My condolences to the Dr. Cassidy's family. I did not know Dr. Cassidy but have been a friend of his sister, Michele, for a number of years. May your happy memories help get you through this trying time.

Frank & Barbara Ranucci

October 29, 2021

So sorry to hear this sad news. Sending our prayers and thoughts

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