Francis Vincent Cassidy
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Francis Vincent Cassidy of Willow Valley Communities passed away at the age of 93 on July 22, 2021, after a lengthy illness.
Born January 4, 1928, he was the son of the late Edward Camillus Cassidy and Florine Marie (Harker) Cassidy of Newry, Blair County, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Patrick’s School in Newry and graduated from Hollidaysburg High School. During summers he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the round house and other jobs before being hired after graduation as a track repair laborer, a job he described as “too much like hard work.” Later he decided to attend college with his younger brother Bob. Francis received a Bachelor of Science degree from Lock Haven State College and a Master of Education degree from Penn State University.
On Christmas Eve 1954 he married Lois Fay Juhl in Detroit, MI. They had met when Francis was a teacher and school administrator in Port Allegany, PA. At the time of their marriage, Lois had been in nursing training in Michigan. They moved into a small family-owned house in Newry, where Lois reportedly insisted that indoor plumbing be added and Francis bragged that he learned enough plumbing to quickly add a bathroom. It was there that they welcomed their first son. The family soon moved to Parkesburg, where Francis was hired by the Octorara Area School District as the principal and 6th grade teacher at Parkesburg Elementary School, and later became principal of the new consolidated Octorara Elementary building. The growing family added four daughters and another son as they moved to a much-needed larger home in nearby Atglen. It was a source of pride that all six children graduated from Octorara and became college graduates. The family was active as parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Parkesburg.
Francis coached summer youth baseball at Parkesburg and enjoyed the Parkesburg Lions Club. He poked fun at anyone wearing team colors other than gold and black. Only half joking, he told everyone who asked, and many who didn’t, the teams they should root for –Pittsburgh; the religion they should be –Catholic; and how they should vote –Democratic, as a former teacher and friend reminded family members at a recent visit to Francis. He and his brother, the late Robert Valentine Cassidy, of Hollidaysburg enjoyed family history as descendants of Patrick Cassidy of Newry, Ireland-- a Revolutionary War soldier and the founder of Newry, PA.
In 1967 Francis Cassidy was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to attend Sam Houston State College in Huntsville Texas, a Kennedy/Johnson administration initiative to boost education in science and math as part of the “space race.” So, the entire Cassidy family of eight moved to Texas for a year of adventure. Francis was awarded his second master’s degree with specialization in science education, and the family returned to Atglen.
Francis retired from Octorara after serving over 30 years. A popular administrator and teacher, his family joked about the string of retirement celebrations becoming his second career. With all the “kids” moved out by the late 1980’s, Francis and Lois relocated to a smaller home in Willow Street, where Francis worked at the Willow Valley golf course pro shop for nearly 20 years. He explained that he wasn’t paid much, but he got free greens fees --a huge benefit for a retiree. Francis and Lois became long-time parishioners of Historic St. Mary’s in Lancaster. Later they moved into an apartment in Willow Valley Communities. Francis moved into assisted living and nursing care in his later years as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.
Francis Cassidy is survived by his wife, Lois Juhl Cassidy of Willow Valley Communities, and their children, Michael Cassidy (wife Jeanne) of Maytown, Nancy McHenry (husband John) of Long Level-Wrightsville, Patricia Cassidy (husband Rob Dowling) of Lancaster, Laura Gately (husband Bill) of Landisville, Joan Schaum (husband Jeff) of Columbia, and James Cassidy of State College. He is also survived by beloved grandchildren: Patrick Cassidy, Steven McHenry, Elizabeth McHenry, Stephanie Smith, Lauren Smith, Carly Smith, Katelyn Dowling, Robert J. Dowling, William Dowling, Heather Gately, William Gately, Brian Gately, Adam Schaum, Jennifer Schaum, Maggie Cassidy, Maria Cassidy, Molly Cassidy and Michelle Cassidy....and now starting the next generation, blessed with four great-grandchildren.
His long-time school secretary recently wrote to the family that Francis was a “kind, compassionate jokester” who “cared about his teachers” and “would be there for any that needed him.” She wrote that she knew so many family details because “He loved his wife and children with his whole heart” and would talk about them on a daily basis. High praise indeed.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2021, at Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 South Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Friends and family are also invited to attend a reception celebrating Francis’ life at 11:30 a.m., after the funeral mass, at the Manor at Willow Valley, 211 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA 17602. Final commitment and burial will be at St Patrick’s Church and Cemetery in Newry, PA 16665 at later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Historic St. Mary’s Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
Condolences
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Cassidy's passing. He was Jim's and my sixth grade teacher. He and Lois were also our neighbors in Parkersburg, and I babysat Michael, Nancy, and Payton when they were quite young. Mr. Cassidy always recognized when students needed a higher challenge. I was one of those students, and I am very grateful for the kind of teacher he was.
Unfortunately, autocorrect
Unfortunately, autocorrect misspelled Parkesburg and Patty.
Condolences
I only knew Mr. Cassidy as my school’s principal. More than a few times I had ended up in his office since starting elementary school in the fall of 1969. In Parkesburg, that previous summer had been a difficult time of turbulence and racial strife that ended in a killing that suddenly brought the reality of racial violence very close to me. I was, at times, distrustful and wary. I had fights in school and got into trouble. Try, as I imagine I did, I never overcame the thoughtful kindness he demonstrated again and again. It came to mean a great deal. I can only imagine how many people are the better for having known him. My best to his family and loved ones.
Fond memories are swirling
Fond memories are swirling through my brain as I remember teaching 4th grade as Mr. Cassidy as my principal. He was a wonderful caring person who truly wanted the best for his teachers and students. He was not afraid to leave his office and wander the halls smiling, talking to the kids and making sure all was running smoothly. His "teacher family" enjoyed delicious chili in his kitchen many times after having our parent conferences. You could not have asked for a better leader. I feel lucky and blessed to work with him. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family.
Gail Smith
Sympathy
Dear Patty and the Entire Cassidy Family-
I remember when we were little and you lived across the street from me in Parkesburg. You and your family are in my
thoughts and prayers.
Love- Lisa Wilde
An Energetic Man
So sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to meet Francis and his family through Willow Valley. I recall my initial encounter with fond memory and a smile. He was a pleasure to converse with and a pistol to reason with some days but every one loved him. He will be dearly missed
In Sympathy
I remember Mr. Cassidy as the Principal of Octorare Elementary School where I was a teacher. He was a great principal, of the "old school" caring about his students and his teachers. If a parent had problems he always considered his teachers. He was such a great guy to work with. If we had something special or happy in our personal lives he would talk about as if he were a proud papa.
St. patrick's Day always brought out his Irish side and we looked forward to him coming to school in special green suit.
So sorry to hear of his passing and sending comfort to his family. Ruth Wren
Fond family memories
Our family could tell many very fond & fun stories and memories of Francis and his family, from when I and my brothers & sister were just kids and actually, to many years later, spent at family reunions. They had lots of kids & so did we! Francis was my mother Jeanne Cassidy Kratzer's cousin. We spent good times with each other when the kids were young, then later seeing each other at family reunions. What a wonderful story teller Francis was;) And his pride of family and heritage was unstoppable! As irony would have it, Francis & Lois came to meet my Mother in law, who moved into Willow Valley some time after they were already long time residents. It was a very special visit to be able to take my mother to visit & lunch with Francis, Lois & Frances, my mother in law, who helped us arrange the visit. Francis was a wonderful man, father, storyteller, jokester and always had a kind and gentle smile for all around him. With fond memories; Patty Kratzer DeFrank and family.
Francis Cassidy
To the Cassidy Family,
I worked with Francis during the 15 years I served as superintendent in Octorara. He was both a valued colleague and friend. The welfare of his students and staff at Octorara Elementary were always his first concern. He had an excellent sense of humor combined with total integrity and kindness toward others. I feel honored to have known Francis.
Richard P. McAdams
Warm regards
Mr. Cassidy was our 6th grade teacher, where class was held in the Garage, located across the street from Wilde Funeral Home. We were relocated due to the fire at Parkesburg School. He was one of the best! What we now call...."old school". A time when children "learned" from the teacher; where respect existed between teacher and student. I honestly NEVER remember seeing him upset or "outta sorts"! One of my favorite teachers with such a nice smile! I think I had graduated by the time he went to OHS....not quite sure. Rest in Peace, Mr. Cassidy.Prayers of comfort to the family.
Bonnie Harris-Dickinson (OHS Class of '65)
Dear Lois, Patti and Family,
Dear Lois, Patti and Family, Our sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband/father. I have found memories of working with him on placing his desk with the beautiful St. Francis statue. It has been a privilege working with your family on many different projects for many years. In our prayers. Denise and Joe Ziegler
Hopes to meet you.
I've never known Mr.Cassidy personally but, from what I've read and the reception I had while I travelled across the small translantic pond; I have learnt that he has left behind a beautiful legacy. A legacy filled with the kindest hearts and the most generous of people I've met. From the Cassidy's I knew, I can say with great confidence that although, Mr. Cassidy isn't with us right now, his lessons, his passions and his memories live on forever throughout everyone who had met him. I wasn't so lucky to meet you but, I am overjoyed to be a part of your rich history, even if it was just spending a couple of months with your family and, I hope some of your characteristics rubbed of onto me.
Rest in Peace.
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