Francis Michael Cassidy

   Francis Michael "Mike" Cassidy, of Hertford, NC, passed away, Saturday, October 27, 2018, from complications of Parkinsons.

   Born September 21, 1941 in Honolulu, Hawaii, he lived and travelled the US and Europe growing up as a military brat. Mike graduated from Louisiana Tech as a mechanical engineer, and received a commission in the Air Force having achieved the rank of captain. During his 15 years in the Air Force he worked on propulsion systems at Vandenberg, Edwards and Wright Patterson Air Force Bases. Following his military career, he then spent another 21 years as a civilian program manager on jet engines. His F100-229 engine program, supporting the F-15 and F-16 aircraft “was the best job anyone could ever have”. Post retirement Mike enjoyed substitute teaching; working in nurseries/garden centers; and building decks for elderly. Anything to engage his love of plants, animals and creative projects.

   Pastimes included woodworking, riding his Harley, cooking, and sports, particularly baseball, racquetball and fishing. His trivia knowledge of animals, plants and sports was surpassed only by his laugh and zest for life. His contagious laugh was always enhanced by anyone joining to laugh with him.

   Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ena Futch, formerly of Birmingham, AL.

   Surviving are his wife and soul mate of 27 years, Mary Anne; two sons, Christopher Michael (Natalie) of Somers, MT, and Brett Michael (Kelly) of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mike has five beautiful grandchildren, Kayla, Fallon, Elise, Evan and Hope. He is also survived by his sister, Janie Beale of Birmingham, AL; several aunts and uncles in Wahiawa, Hawaii; and more than 20 nieces and nephews across the country.

   A Mass of Remembrance will be held Monday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Family Catholic Church, Elizabeth City. Following the Mass, friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of life at Albemarle Plantation Clubhouse, Hertford.

   Mike and Mary Anne appreciate the support of his many caregivers over the last 5 years including, Albemarle Hospice, his Rock Steady boxing family, and especially Joyce, Diane, Wendy, Alexis, Loraine and Arielle. Mike was an avid blood donor and had given more than 10 gallons of blood to organizations everywhere he lived. In his memory please donate either blood to the American Red Cross in order to “give more life” or to www.curepsp.org , the Parkinson’s Progressive Supranuclear Palsy foundation for brain research. Mike's wish was that you share memories of him with a life of laughs and pure joy.

   Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com .