Final Salute

Westerly; Ernest P. Cassis, 99, of Westerly, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Westerly Hospital. He was pre-deceased by his wives, Deborah D. (French) Cassis and Edith (Moskal) Cassis. Ernest is survived by his step-children Cynthia Kuc- henbecker of Wellesley, MA, Stephen Chapin of Natick, MA, his nephew Robert Cassis of Madison, AL and nieces, Carol Chapelle of Memphis, TN, Fran Jacoby of Scottsdale, AZ and Roxanne Berglund of Bennington, NE.

Mr. Cassis was born in New York City, NY on November 14, 1924, the son of the late Ernest A. and Angelina (Alama) Cassis. Ernie was an electricians mate 2nd class with the 125th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion and member of the U.S. Navy Seabees serving our country in World War II.

Ernie began his automotive career after the war as a machinist leading to becoming a specialized mechanic in the NY Formula Vee Racing Formula class and Chief Technical Inspector of the NY Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), then became the owner/operator for over 40 years of Kinematics, a mechanics shop specializing in foreign care repairs in Monsey, NY. Ernie was actively involved in his community of Tuxedo Park, NY holding positions as building inspector, village trustee, village manager and deputy mayor. He also served as president of the Tuxedo Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Ernie moved to Westerly in 2000 and spent free time traveling and gardening with his wife Debby and restoring antique cars. His passion for preserving military history, carpentry, mechanical prow-ess and community service led to his involvement with the Westerly Armory and further on the board of Westerly Armory Restoration and even as the favorite bartender at Armory events.

The family is forever grateful for Ernie’s thoughtful friends and neighbors, the Westerly Armory Board, the Westerly Hospital 3rdfloor staff and Hope Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernie’s honor can be made to the Westerly Armory, PO Box 614, Westerly, RI 02891 (https://www.westerlyarmory.com) or the Westerly Hospital Foundation (https://www.westerlyhospital.org/donors).

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Westerly Armory, 41 Railroad Avenue, Westerly, RI on Sunday, October 6th, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Westerly Sun on Sep. 22, 2024.