Norman T. Cassady, father, grandfather and brother

BELFAST — Norman T. Cassady, 92, of Belfast, passed away Thursday (April 16, 2026) at home, after a lengthy illness.

Born July 24, 1933, in Batavia, he was a son of Harry and Elma Shattuck Cassady.

For over 33 years, Norman was an important part of his family’s wood-cutting business, providing wood for countless local families and making regular deliveries throughout the area and into Buffalo. In his younger years, he and his family played a literal hand in shaping the local landscape, clearing the timber to create the Ellicottville ski slopes.

Following the conclusion of the family business, Norman dedicated the next 15 years to the Belfast Central School District as a groundskeeper, eventually retiring in 2002.

Whether before or during his retirement, he remained a familiar face outdoors — always active and helping others by mowing lawns for many neighbors in the Belfast area or tending to the grounds at the Oramel Cemetery.

Norman is survived by two sons, Norman “Ted” (Adrienne) Cassady of Fillmore and Michael Cassady of Andover; two daughters, Helen (Eric) Freischlag of Wilson and Theresa (Mike) Cassady of Friendship; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Raymond Cassady of Castile; four sisters, Betty McLaughlin and Barbara Beardsley, both of  Belfast, Dorothy (Roger) Eustace of Castile and Ethel Frisk of Belmont; two sisters-in-law, Jesse Cassady and Delores Cassady; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Elton, Willard and James (Ann) Cassady; and a sister, Loretta Cassady.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (April 22, 2026) at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull St., Cuba.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com or expressed on the funeral homes facebook page.