Michael Cassidy

Live streaming of the memorial service can be found here. https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=9b4f4555-32d5-4a34-b477-3111f046dcf3

MADISON – Michael Monod Cassidy, born on Feb. 2, 1946, the fourth child of Frederic and Hélène (Monod) Cassidy, died on Jan. 3, 2021 after a year-long battle with MDS and leukemia. Mike is survived by his wife Jacquelyn, son Nick (Jenny), daughter Danielle (Jake) and grandchildren Emerson and Ione, brother Victor (Donna), sister Claire (John), nieces Jennifer, Charlotte, and Julie and nephews Alexander and Mark.

A lifelong Madison resident, Mike attended West High where he met his high school sweetheart, Jackie. In 1966, Mike volunteered to serve in the Army, eventually reaching the rank of Specialist (E-5). Married in 1967, Mike and Jackie spent their honeymoon driving the ALCAN Highway to Anchorage, Alaska, where Mike was stationed. Anchorage became their first home together. Mike was honorably discharged in 1969. He went on to obtain a B.S. from UW–Madison (1972) and a J.D. from UW Law School (1974). In 1978, Mike and Jackie welcomed their daughter into the world, followed by their son in 1979. They celebrated their 53rd anniversary on November 11, 2020.

Mike was a caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was always there to provide sound advice, a bit of wit or wisdom, or a shoulder to cry on. Among his many charms was his radiant joie de vivre. He couldn’t resist doling out an affectionate ribbing to family, friends, and strangers alike. Generous and kind to all who knew him, Mike enjoyed learning regardless of the subject, word play, poetry, badinage, problem solving, good food, and brown Birkenstocks. He adored surprising Jackie with clever, original verse and thoughtful gifts, and cherished their travels together. Mike also enjoyed fishing with John, football games with Nick, botanizing with Danielle, shamelessly doting on his grandchildren, dinners with good friends, swimming in the ocean, biking around Madison, baking bread, Elvis Presley, Tex Ritter, a good book in his favorite chair, and of course, the Badgers and the Packers. Above all, he savored laughter and living in the moment. He will be missed terribly.

Mike and his family were very appreciative of the superb medical care he received from the doctors and nurses of UW Hospital, particularly the Carbone Cancer Center. Special thanks are due his hematologist, Dr. Ryan Mattison, for his dedication to Mike’s case.

Mike will be interred at Forest Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10:30am at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison. A visitation will begin one hour prior at 9:30am. In Mike’s honor, please consider donating blood or platelets to the Red Cross or donating to UW Carbone Cancer Center research, as both places were essential to Mike’s care following his diagnosis.

By the bright shining light of the moon… - Olson & Mills

Live streaming of the memorial service can be found here. https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=9b4f4555-32d5-4a34-b477-3111f046dcf3