| Date of Birth | July 6, 1937 |
| Date Deceased | November 19, 2023 |
| Hometown | Canisteo |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | November 28, 2023 |
| Service Time | 10 a.m. |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church, Hornell |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Fremont |
Thomas Aquinas Cassidy
CANISTEO – Beloved father and friend, Thomas Aquinas Cassidy, passed away early Sunday morning (Nov. 19, 2023) at the age of 86.
Thomas was born on July 6, 1937 to Francis and Hazel (Smith) Cassidy in Hornell NY. Tom graduated from Hornell High School in 1955 and went on to study at Alfred State College.
After graduating with an associate’s degree, he started his first job at the former Loohn’s Dry Cleaners in Hornell until kickstarting his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) building bridges and roads for over 30 years.
In addition to being a dedicated employee, Tom was an excellent husband. On May 21, 1966, he was married at St. Joachim’s Church in Canisteo to the former Phyllis D. Sanford. Tom and Phyllis went on to have two children, Kyle Cassidy and Carrie Cassidy.
After retiring he spent his time as an avid gardener, hunter, fisher, and a much-loved grandfather. Tom was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout and faithful communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. He attended the Sunday afternoon rosary and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel and helped to maintain a beautiful rose garden.
Tom was known for his lighthearted personality and contagious sense of humor. He often thought of others first and never hesitated to offer his help in any way he could.
He was considered a loyal NY Giants fan through thick and thin and loved to travel. Some of his favorite places to travel with his wife were the Outer Banks, the coastline of Maine, and Arizona.
When he wasn’t traveling, he was a fan of boxing, collecting train memorabilia, and attending a variety of performing arts.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, three older sisters, and his wife of 57 years on July 16, 2023. He is lovingly survived by two children, Kyle (Michelle) Cassidy and Carrie (Robert) Cassidy-Struble; several grandchildren; as well as his nieces and nephews.
To honor his request there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his memory at 10 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 28, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont. A reception will follow at the Canisteo Fire Hall.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston Food Pantry, 34 E. State St., Mt. Morris, NY 14510. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Tom’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Tom are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Dear Kyle and Carrie and loved ones,
In l989, we bought a big ole house on the corner of East main… across from your grandparents. We were friends, and as they aged, I helped them with those grandparents, and Phyllis and Tom and the Gelatts became friends. We were good neighborly friends. I played your wedding in Hornell. This past summer, I was saddened to read of Phyllis’ passing; today, your father’s passing. You were great kids. They loved you, adored you and would do anything for you. They are together now, forever. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead.
Much Love,
Joanie and Alan Gelatt