Richard S. Cassard, Sr. - Obituary

ichard Stevens Cassard, Sr., 96, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in Annapolis, Maryland. Born on December 25, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard lived a life marked by dedication to family, service to his country, and commitment to his community. Richard spent his youth along the banks of the South River in Riva, Maryland. A graduate of Annapolis High School, he went on to attend the University of Maryland before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served with distinction as a Flight Engineer with the rank of Staff Sergeant, flying in B-29 bombers. After completing his military service, Richard embarked on a 50-year career in public service. He began as a jet engine mechanic at Andrews Air Force Base and later worked as an engineering technician for the Army Corps of Engineers for over 20 years at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Upon retirement from federal service, he began a second career as the Fleet Coordinator for the Anne Arundel County Police Department, retiring after 16 years of service. In 1955, Richard met the love of his life, Roberta English, on a blind date. The couple married and shared 53 wonderful years together before Roberta's passing in 2009. Together, they built their home in an apple orchard overlooking the water in Galesville, Maryland. It was there that they raised their children: Richard Stevens Cassard, Jr. (Laura), Linda Cassard Kenderdine (Dean), and David Andrew Cassard (Janel). Richard was also a devoted grandfather to Jacqueline Grace Alyea (Mac), Samuel Stevens Cassard (Brooke), Ariana Reece Cassard (Alex), Kristin Cassard Fidanza (Gavin), Andrew Joseph Cassard, Madeleine Kenderdine Lovell (Josh), Robert Stevens Kenderdine (Susan), and Elizabeth Ennis Kenderdine (Rebecca). His legacy extends to his five great-grandchildren, Jude McCann, Margot Reece, Sunny Marie, Julian Dean and Callie Grace, who brought him immense joy. Richard's life was enriched by his many interests and affiliations. He was an accomplished three-sport athlete in his youth and earned a tryout with the New York Yankees. He worked as crew on the construction of the first Chesapeake Bay Bridge. He enjoyed oystering on the Bay with his father-in-law and cruising with his family on their boat, the Miss Roberta. In his late 60s, he discovered a passion for golf and continued playing well into his late 80s. For thirty years, Richard treasured the annual beach vacation with his family and could often be found swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, right alongside his grandchildren. Richard lived the last 15 years at Ginger Cove Retirement Community in Annapolis where he enjoyed many friendships and received thoughtful care from a compassionate staff. Richard was a member of Galesville United Methodist Church for nearly seventy years. He also belonged to numerous organizations, including the Order of Free Masons, the Annapolis Elks Lodge, the South Anne Arundel Lions Club, the Galesville Heritage Society, the Riva and Galesville Volunteer Fire Departments, and the D.C. Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Richard is also survived by his brother Louis Lippincott Cassard; nephew John Cassard; and nieces Romelle Hut, Biddy Labutka, and Teesy Black. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Roberta; his brother William Lippincott Cassard and nephew William (Cass) Cassard III. Visitation will be held on March 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Kalas Funeral Home 2973 Solomons Island Road. A Funeral Service will be held on March 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Galesville United Methodist Church, 4835 Church Lane Galesville. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Galesville Heritage Society, 988 Main Street, Galesville, MD 20765. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.