Dorothy Dale Cassinelli, 90, of Portland, Oregon passed away peacefully on December 20, 2018, her husband Leo at her side. She was born on the 4th of July, 1928, in Washington, D.C., to Chester and May Robinson Dale. At the age of 10, Dorothy moved to Portland with her mother. She attended Roosevelt High School from 1942 to 1946, where she was May Queen and met her future husband, Leo Cassinelli. At Oregon State University she joined Pi Beta Phi sorority and earned a degree in Home Economics in 1950. During Leo's tour of Korea from 1950 to 1952, he carried this photo of Dorothy to get him through.
Marriage to Leo came in 1953, followed by the birth of daughter Terese in 1954 and son Kenneth, who was adopted in 1957. Dorothy taught English and Home Economics in Portland high schools from 1950 to 1957. From 1957 to 1963 she taught sewing classes at night school for Portland Community College.
Shortly after their marriage, Dorothy and Leo built the house they lived in for the rest of their lives. They joined Holy Redeemer Parish, which became the heart and soul of her world. Dorothy immersed herself in activities. She was a leader on the Parish Council and numerous church groups, including Altar Society and Silver Spirits. Without prior experience she coached Catholic Youth Organization girls volleyball, basketball and softball from 1964 to 1978 and was named Coach of the Year in 1972. One of her biggest achievements was as a founder of church Bingo before it was legal. She worked around the legal issues by asking for “donations” and using candy as “winnings.”
Dorothy enjoyed bowling, golf and all things Christmas. Remarkably, she participated in league bowling into her 80's. Dorothy’s favorite pastime was crafting. She never met a craft store or project she didn’t like.
Known for her generous spirit and warm smile, Dorothy will be greatly missed by her loved ones.
She was proceeded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Nick Cassinelli and sister-in-law Dolores Cassinelli.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Leo; daughter Terese Cassinelli of Los Angeles; son Kenneth Cassinelli of San Diego; Cassinelli nephews Jim (Kathy), Bob, David (Colette) and Richard (Joell) of Portland; niece Ann Kinkley (Bill) of Albany; and 13 grand-nieces and -nephews and their children.
