Funeral Arrangements

Marilyn will receive visitors on Monday, December 4th from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Catharine of Siena Church, 500 S. Gould Rd., Columbus.  Mass of Christian Burial directly afterward at 10:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the church social hall.  Interment at 2:30 p.m. at Lithopolis Cemetery.

Obituary

William Michael "Mike" Cassidy was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 8, 1942, the youngest of three children born to John and Frances Cassidy.  The family lived in south Bexley, where he attended Christ the King Elementary School and then Bexley High School, class of 1960.

The "baby" of the family, Mike was still in high school when his older brother Dan and older sister Patty were getting married and starting their families.  His many nieces and nephews looked up to him as the "fun" uncle and were in awe of all his escapades.  Mike was an avid Buckeye fan and sports enthusiast.  He especially loved anything that could be driven, including cars, motorcycles and boats.  In his early 20s, he actually spent about ten years on the drag racing circuit.

In 1967, Mike met his future wife Marilyn at the Bistro on Olentangy River Road.  They were married October 4, 1969 at Christ the King Catholic Church and settled in Bexley, not far from his parents.  Mike and Marilyn were a devoted couple, the love of each other's lives, and went on to enjoy 54 years of marriage.

While Marilyn worked downtown in the Franklin County Courthouse, Mike enjoyed many years of success as a car salesman.  He loved his career in car sales and his customers loved him too.  After every car sale, he seemed to know everything about the buyer and their family, many of whom would stop by long after the sale, just to visit.  He was an award-winning salesman at Bobb Chevrolet, Saeger Buick, Jack Schmidt Oldsmobile, Len Immke Buick, Bob McDorman Chevrolet and Columbus Motorcar. In 1977, Mike and Marilyn moved to Washington Courthouse where he opened his own dealership:  Mike Cassidy Cadillac, Oldsmobile and Buick.

Eventually, Mike sold the dealership and the couple moved back to south Bexley, where they first bought his parents' home where he had been raised, then sold that home and moved into and renovated the little house next door.  They enjoyed many years together in the neighborhood of Mike's youth before retiring in 2006 to live full time at Buckeye Lake.  Soon, they began hosting a huge potluck family reunion every 4th of July, and everyone loved coming for the chance to catch up with extended family.  Card games, kids running around, boat rides and great fun abounded for young and old alike.

Soft spoken and easy going, Mike had an infectious personality and was well loved.  He was also one of the world's best story tellers and had great comedic timing.  He always knew how to work the room with a funny joke.

Mike occupied himself with a number of different pursuits during the years he and Marilyn lived at Buckeye Lake.  He was a member of the Buckeye Lake Historical Society and enjoyed giving tours, sharing fascinating stories about the history and notable people in Buckeye Lake's past.  Mike and Marilyn were both active parishioners at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church at Buckeye Lake.  In addition, he enjoyed a part time "second career" in telephone sales and service at the nearby office of Harry and David Gourmet Food and Gifts.

In 2019, Mike and Marilyn sold their Buckeye Lake home and moved into an independent living apartment at the Villas at St. Therese in Columbus, where (no surprise) they soon developed a wide circle of friends.

Over the last few years Mike's health gradually declined.  Adult-onset Diabetes led to poor circulation, decreased mobility and persistent infections.  Marilyn was constantly at his side, as taking care of him became more and more full-time.  In his final months, Mike suffered a number of mini-strokes, then was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Through it all, even though his ability to communicate was compromised in the final weeks, he remained cheerful and light hearted to the end.

Mike quietly passed away to eternity on November 8, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his parents John (Frances) Cassidy, in-laws Herman (Elsie) Atzenhoefer, his brother Dan (Carol) Cassidy, sister Patty Luchtenberg, and brother-in-law Raymond Atzenhoefer.  He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, brother-in-law Dick Luchtenberg, brothers-in-law Ronald, Herman (Mary) and Dennie (Tami) Atzenhoefer, and many nieces and nephews.  The whole family will greatly miss him.