Howard Russell Cassidy

HOWARD R. CASSIDY STAUNTON, VA Howard Russell Cassidy, 90, son of the late Della and Charles Cassidy of Morgantown, West Virginia peacefully departed this life on Thursday, November 6, 2014. He was born on December 25, 1923 in Morgantown, West Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters Mary Cekala of Brunswick, Georgia and Darlene Paugh of Oakland, Maryland and a brother Charles Cassidy and wife, Stella, of Kingwood, West Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Ashburn Cassidy, his son Howard R. Cassidy, Jr. and wife, Carole, of Princeton, West Virginia and his daughter Martha Jean Worsham and husband, J.D., of Richmond, Virginia. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Sarah Mertz Anderson, and three great-grandsons, James Michael, Luke Philip, and Paul Matthew Anderson. He was fortunate to have numerous loving nieces and nephews. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II for 3 years, including 26 months in the South Pacific. Upon returning from service, he graduated from West Virginia University. He was a loyal member of St. John's United Methodist Church for 58 years serving in many positions. He was a lifelong educator working as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent for the Staunton City Schools for 31 years. A memorial service will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1716 North Augusta Street in Staunton on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. conducted by Reverend Taylor Mertins. A private burial will be held at Morgan Memorial Park in Reedsville, West Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. John's Church or to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA 22172. Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.