Kidder Memorial Home
OBITUARY: Richard E. "Dick" Cassidy
DATELINE: Highgate Center, Vermont
Richard "Dick" Cassidy, age 82 years, a lifelong
Highgate resident died Monday afternoon, May 28, 2012,
in the Northwestern Medical Center with loving family
at his side. "His tractor finally ran out of fuel".
Born at home in Highgate Center on, July 26, 1929, he
was the son of the late Willard and Ethel (Gray) Cassidy.
He graduated from the former Highgate High School
and attended the Vermont Agricultural School in
Randolph. On October 2, 1949, he married his high
school sweetheart the former Phyllis Humphrey who survives him.
Along with his family Dick owned and operated a successful dairy farm on the Gore
Road for many years. He was a member of the Vermont Farm Bureau, St. Albans
Cooperative Creamery, was active in the Futures Farmers of America and received
numerous awards and citations for farming.
Dick was an active member of the Highgate community, serving as Town Moderator
for 52 years, Lister for 20 years, as well as serving as Town Selectman, member of the
Historical Society, Board of Civil Authority, volunteer fire department, cemetery
commission, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a member of the Independent
Order Odd Fellows, Highgate Lodge 69.
A faithful and devoted parishioner of the Highgate United Methodist Church, Dick
served 63 years as Trustee and following the death of his good friend Bob Ploof
assumed many responsibilities for the upkeep of the church.
He also served on the Northwestern Medical Centers Board of Directors and
Incorporators and was a regular Red Cross donor. Always known as a generous
couple, Dick and Phyllis, in memory of their son Kyle, donated a Whirlpool Room to
the NMC Family Birth Center and the first defibrillator to the Highgate Volunteer
Fire Department. Although never serving in the military, Dick was a very patriotic
man and a charter member of the Republican National Committee. He was also well
known throughout the Franklin County Communities for his regular contributions to
the St. Albans Messenger's, "Letters to the Editor."
In addition to his writing, Dick enjoyed telling stories, reminiscing about old times,
talking politics, family, farming, friends, church, baseball especially the Boston Red
Sox, going for rides with Phyllis and attending agricultural fairs.
In addition to his wife Phyllis of 63 years, he leaves four daughters, Joyce and
husband Steve LaFar of Highgate Center, Tammy and husband Darryl Ruhl of
Milton, Diane Cassidy and soul mate of Highgate Center and Paula and husband
Mark Whitehead also of Highgate Center; grandchildren, Randy, Jordon, Scott,
Tyler, Jeremiah, Kyle, Eric and Hannah; great grandchildren, Morganna, Patience
89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, Vermont 05488*(802) 868-3331*Fax(802)868-7000
Kidder Memorial Home
and Clifton; his brother, Lee Cassidy and wife, Doris of Lincoln; sisters and brothersin-law; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special lifetime
friends and neighbors, Don, Marie, Claire, Andrew, Paul and the list goes on.
In 1978, Dick was left for many years with a broken heart following the tragic death
of his only son Kyle. Besides his parents and son Kyle, he was predeceased by a
brother Donald and infant sister, Joanne.
During the past two years, Dick's daughters and their families have been so thankful
to have been able to provide care for the man who provided them with so much.
They also wish to thank the medical facilities, their staff and all the caregivers for
their kindness, compassion and support.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 1, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Highgate United
Methodist Church, Main St., Highgate Center. The Reverend Kerry Cameron will
officiate. Interment will follow at the Cassidy family lot in the Highgate Center
Cemetery.
Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton on
Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.
The family requests that gifts in Dick's memory be made to the Highgate Methodist
Community Center, P.O. Box 312, Highgate Ctr., 05459.
To offer online condolences please visit: kiddermemorialhome.com
89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, Vermont 05488*(802) 868-3331*Fax(802)868-7000