
Allan Cassidy
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On August 18, 2022 Allan (Al) Cassidy, 89 years young, completed his last marathon. He was tired and it was time for his body to rest.
He attended the former Lenox School for Boys in Lenox, MA and later graduated from Pittsfield High School. He entered the US Marine Corps in 1953 and received an honorable discharge in 1956. He then attended Northeastern University in Boston, graduated from Northeast Broadcasting School and went on to work as a radio programmer at WBZ radio in Boston.
Upon his return to Pittsfield Al worked 30 years for the Department of Employment and Training (DET) as an interviewer, then later as a supervisor in the North Adams office. He also worked part-time for many years selling ski equipment at Besse Clarke Sporting Goods on North Street. Upon retirement from (DET), he spent the next 6 years working for Community Enterprise (ICE) on contract to Mass. Rehab.
Al was a multi-faceted man with many interests and hobbies. He had a lifelong thirst for learning and expanding his horizons. An avid outdoorsman that enjoyed bee keeping, gardening, hiking, running, golfing and skiing. In his later years, you could often find him practicing his pistol marksmanship at the Lenox Sportsman's Club. He participated in multiple sports, both as a successful competitor (C.R.A.S.H. B's) and longtime instructor in skiing and fitness. He dove into those roles with tremendous dedication and passion, with countless students under his tutelage over the years.
For many, Al is best remembered for his years as the jack-of-all-trades of the ski program at Bousquet. Over his 19 years in the program, the "Godfather" of freestyle skiing functioned in many roles. Whether as a ski instructor (Certified by both American PSIA and Canadian governing bodies), co-developer of the freestyle rulebook, ski patrol, chair of the judges committee, or directing coaching and training sessions for his peers, Al brought everything he had to the task. His easily approachable and engaging demeanor allowed him to have an impact on so many young people in the ski program. With wife Julee and family by his side, this part-time vocation really served as the core of their activities and the source of many of their most cherished memories.
But perhaps Al's greatest passion, besides his family, was singing barbershop. He was a former President, Board Member and Show Chairman of the Berkshire Hillsmen Chorus of the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 45 years, and adeptly sang tenor in the quartets "Coming Edition" and "Summer Addition''.
Al is predeceased by his parents, Alton and Ruby Cassidy, his brother Kenneth Cassidy and his nephew Jay Cassidy. He is also predeceased by Julee's parents, Dominick and Marguerite Russo and his stepmother in-law, Marie Russo.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Julee (nee Russo), son Robert (fiancee Charla Delillo), daughters Gayle Colpoys (Matt), Karen Cassidy (husband Kevin Flannery), and Michelle Mazzeo (Rick). 8 Grandchildren - Amanda, Ashley, Julianna, Ricky Jr. Mazzeo, Cassidy, Caroline, Catherine, and Camille Colpoys, His former sisters in law, Pauline Wheeler and Sandra Lonczak and 3 nieces, Randy-Lynn Cassidy, Sandra Cassidy and Linda Jones.
A strong and at times a stubborn personality, Al would "tell it like it is". He never minced words and you always knew where he stood. Once a Marine, always a Marine. SEMPER FI!
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the care Al received during his stay at Kimball Farms Care Center in Lenox and for their support in helping to make Al and Julee's 60th wedding anniversary celebration in June such a memorable occasion. Our appreciation is also extended to Hospice in the Berkshires for the attention, guidance and support they have provided the family.
At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to Soldiers On, Pittsfield, MA or Hospice of the Berkshires.
Per Al's wishes there will be no calling hours. The family will have a memorial service on Sunday, October 9 at 11am at Bousquet's Ski Area, Dan Fox Drive, Pittsfield MA. A celebration of life for family and friends to follow.
Final arrangements provided by Dery Funeral Home on Bradford Street.
