Richard “Rik” Cassidy

Rik was born on Jan. 14, 1948, to Gerald and Frances Cassidy in Lake Placid, where he proudly spent most of his life. He attended both Northwood School and Lake Placid High School, graduating with the class of 1966. Rik went on to serve in the United States Navy, where he was stationed aboard the USS Dixie. Upon returning home, he met and married the love of his life, Linda Lambe. Together, they raised four sons in the communities of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Rik’s life was defined by service, family and community. He wore many hats throughout the years: as a youth coach, sports broadcaster, ORDA box office manager and longtime Village of Lake Placid Trustee and co-creator of the local morning show series “Coffee at the Horse Show,” which aired every year during the Lake Placid Horse Shows for many years. He provided off-ice officiating for Olympic hockey, called countless high school games on local television and helped lead youth programs across the region. Rik was a fierce supporter of local sports, especially youth hockey and baseball and remained a dedicated volunteer for decades.

Rik was an avid and proud Dodgers fan — the only thing he was more proud of was his grandchildren. He relished every game, performance and milestone they reached.

In 2016, Rik was given a second lease on life after receiving a liver transplant. He was forever grateful for the support and kindness shown to him by the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake communities during his recovery.

Rik was predeceased by his parents, his son Dereck, his brother Scott and his sister Mary Margaret. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Linda, and their sons: Seann (Amanda), Chadd (Tara) and Wyatt (Kelsey). His brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Anne Goetz. He leaves behind 14 beloved grandchildren: Alexis (Nick) Young, Jocelyn, Cooper Cassidy; Greg, Dylan and Kamm Cassidy, Noah (Kym) Mohr, Ireland, Bauer, Macguire and Greeley Ward; Sheldon and Ireland Cassidy; and Cole and Emmett Cassidy. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Collins and Wesley Young and Avery Mohr.

Rik is also survived by his siblings Linda (Bob) Scheefer, Kathy (Vito) Pallotta, Diane Richie and Gerry Cassidy, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

Calling hours will be held at Clark Funeral Home on July 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. with an American Legion Prayer Service at 6:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church on Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the American Legion or LPYAA, two organizations close to Rik’s heart. The family also encourages everyone to consider becoming an organ donor — an act that gave Rik, and those who loved him, nearly a decade more of memories.

Please visit mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photograph or leave condolences to be added to the Memorial Tribute Book for the family to cherish.