Richard N. “Rick, Coach” Cassara

Richard Nestor Cassara, 82, died peacefully at his beloved home on Stillman Drive in Canton, NY on March 19, 2024. 

Rick was born in the Bronx, NY on Aug 1st, 1941, son of the late Alfred and Evelyn (Mors) Cassara.  He graduated high school from Eldred Central School, Eldred NY and attended St. Bonaventure University, Olean NY graduating with a BS degree in 1963. 

Rick “Coach” began teaching and coaching in Wappinger Falls, NY. He moved to Canton, NY in 1967 as a graduate assistant football and basketball coach at St. Lawrence University. He received his master’s in education and became the head basketball coach.

In 1969, Rick married Patricia Caroline Morgan, his childhood and college classmate. Married for over 50 years his proudest achievement was that of his 3 children, R. Morgan (Elisa) Cassara, Sybil (Rick) Blair and Leigh (Scot) Kirkpatrick and his 9 grandchildren; Caroline, William, Mary Morgan, Adrian, Catherine, Andrew, Christian, Elena and Anthony. 

Coach owned various business in the North Country including Morgan’s Soup and Sandwich, Morgan’s Ice House, the Tick Tock Inn, Phoebe’s and the Club.  He made an incredible impact on the Canton community by employing and mentoring hundreds of people. He will be forever remembered for his remarkable generosity throughout his businesses, coaching and personal life. 

Calling hours will be Monday, March 25th from 4 pm to 7 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home in Canton, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 26th. 

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Coach the family asks that you donate in his name to your local boys’ and girls’ basketball clubs. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Richard N. Cassara are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

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