Submitted by: Dan Rich

John R. Cassady

Jan. 3, 1927 - Jan. 9, 2008

South Bend Tribune 1/12/2008
SOUTH BEND - Dr. John R. Cassady, 81, of South Bend died at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2008, in Dujarie House, Notre Dame, IN following an extended illness. Dr. Cassady was born January 3, 1927, in South Bend to the late Dr. J.V. and Belle (Randolf) Cassady and was a lifetime area resident.

On August 12, 1950, in South Bend, he married Lynette Minzie who would be his beloved wife for 58 years. She survives, along with two daughters, Anne C. Ferri of Oak Park, IL and Jean E. (Kirk) Robinson of Seattle, WA; two sons, John K. (Wendy) Cassady of Elkhart, IN and Daniel H. (Margaret) Cassady of Seattle; five grandchildren, Daniel Ferri, Kelly Cassady, Sarah Robinson, and Colin and Gigi Cassady; one brother, Thomas R. (Lenore) Cassady of South Bend; a brother-in-law, Ronald (Connie) Minzie; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Mary Nordberg.

A highly respected ophthalmologist, John practiced surgery at Memorial and St. Joseph Hospitals and shared an office with his father, Dr. J.V. Cassady. John was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard University, and Indiana University Medical School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Many will remember John as a regular of the YMCA, a devoted Notre Dame football fan, and as an enthusiastic member of the "Mad Fats" tennis group. For those closest to John, he will forever be defined by his wonderful sense of humor, "quick wit" and sharp intelligence. He was a true character and brought laughter to all who knew him. Eagle Lake, in Edwardsburg, Michigan, was John's childhood summer home, and there he spent joyous days sailing, turtle hunting, swimming, and causing mischief with his brother Tom, sister Mary, and countless friends. After their marriage, John and Lynnie and their four children spent their summers at Corey Lake in Three Rivers, Michigan, where they actively supported Camp Eberhart. John's happiest hours were spent in his fishing boat, on the tennis court, winning charades, Trivial Pursuit, gardening, raking leaves, and playing with his grandchildren. For John Cassady, Corey Lake was "Paradise".