George F. Cassidy

Cassidy, Dr. George F.2/22/20-9/15/2013Dr. George Cassidy, age 93, sometimes known as the "Longview Crooner" has gone to serenade the angels (and lucky angels they are!). George most recently resided at Oak Hill Manor and prior to that at Longview, where he delighted the residents and staff with his stories, his extensive knowledge of history and most of all with songs of Italy and Ireland. George was a highly educated fellow in an age when this was not so easily accomplished, especially coming from a working class family in Jersey City. He graduated from Ferris High School in 1937 and St. Peters College in 1941 with a major in chemistry. He served his country in the navy as an aircraft engine test inspector from 1944-1945. Returning to civilian life, he received a masters then a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University. Now Dr. Cassidy, he worked for many years at St. Vincent's Hospital, first in Manhattan then in Harrison, NY. He became Director of Psychology until his retirement in 1985. He made many lifelong friends among the staff at the hospital, hosting sumptuous dinners and boisterous charade parties. After retiring, he moved to Honesdale, PA and set out on extensive travels to Ireland, Spain and especially Italy. After Lillian passed, he moved to Trumansburg, NY to be closer to his daughter, Christine and her family. George loved everything Italian, including his wife, Lillian who was born in Sicily. He taught himself to speak Italian fluently with the help of Berlitz records and many Italian neighbors. He would often return from bicycle rides around the neighborhood with an improved Italian vocabulary and a basket full of tomatoes and eggplants. George also enjoyed baking, especially muffins and biscotti. He would drive near and far to deliver his baked goods to friends and neighbors. Most of all George loved to sing. He had an extensive repertoire of Italian and Irish songs and an occasional show tune. He would stop and sing to people anywhere and everywhere.....on the bus, at Wegmans (oh how he loved Wegmans!), at strangers' tables at restaurants. When Lillian was in her last days, he came and sang to her in Italian every day in the ICU. George was predeceased by his wife Lillian. He is survived by his daughter, Christine Finnigan, her husband, Mark and his two grandchildren, Molly and Andy; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances near and far. George's family would like to thank the staff at Oak Hill Manor for the meticulous and loving care he was given in his last days. May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.Slan agus beannacht leat (goodbye and may blessings be with you).A Mass of The Resurrection will be celebrated by Fr. Jeffrey Tunnicliff on Friday, September 20th at 10 am at the Immaculate Conception Church. Friends may call on Thursday, September 19th from 4 to 6 pm at the Bangs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes. -