Dennis R. Cassia

Dennis Raymond Cassia was born on November 11, 1951 to Vincenzio & Violandi Cassia in White Plains, New York. He is survived by a brother James Cassia, sister Judy Cassia, daughter Jennifer Costello, son Brian Cassia, granddaughters Hailey Linask & Katie Costello and wife Kimberly Cassia as well as various cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dennis became interested in astronomy at an early age and began photographing celestial events and became a comet hunter and eclipse chaser, several of his photographs were published in Sky & Telescope. His father built an observatory in his backyard so he could pursue his hobby. He attended his first Stellafane Convention in Springfield, Vermont in 1970 and went every year, he became a full member of the club after completing his mirror and helped prepare and take on various tasks for the annual convention. He and his wife, Kim, presented a program “Stellafane for Beginners.” A few highlights from Stellafane were meeting the Meteorite Men and Astronaut, Allen Bean.

He was one of the experts on the 2017 solar eclipse flight organized by his dear friend Joe Rao. He and his wife traveled with Joe to see an eclipse at sea, a meteorite shower in the Island of Lanzarote among other travels.

He graduated from Byram Hills High School in Armonk, New York, went on to Case Institute of Technology (now known as Case Western Reserve University) where he graduated. In 1975 he made the Dean’s Honor List and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi.

He taught Biology, Chemistry & Earth Science at Rye Neck High School in Mamaroneck, New York for 7 years and began his dream job of Firefighter in 1985 with the Stratford Fire Department. He rose through the ranks of Lieutenant to Assistant Chief. He believed in leading by example.

Dennis joined Pleasantville Engine Company in 1975. He was the first member to become a driver in all 4 companies. He was the first department training officer, Secretary Board of Commissioners, and Radiation Control Officer for Westchester County.

He joined Monroe Volunteer Fire Department in 1985 and rose through the ranks from Lieutenant, Captain, 2nd Assistant Chief, Safety Officer and was the first Chief’s Aide. He was the department training officer for 10 years.

He has been a member of the Fairfield County Haz Mat team for 25 years, and an Adjunct Instructor for Fire Chemistry at the University of New Haven.

Certified in FF1, FF2, FF3, FSI-1, FSI-2, FO-1, FO-2, ISO, HSO, Pump Operator, Aerial Operator and Hazardous Materials Technician.

He was a Connecticut Fire Academy Instructor for over 35 years, teaching classes in the Instructor, Officer, Hazmat programs as well as teaching Aerial Operator, Pump Operator or whatever was needed. He was the Chief Instructor of the Instructor Programs.

He was an Adjunct Instructor for the National Fire Academy teaching Chemistry of Hazardous Materials and Instructor for Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning.

He was the Monroe Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Fireman of the Year, Fairfield County Fire Chiefs emergency plan Firefighter of the Year. Public Service Award for Monroe Volunteer Fire Department 11/20/2009; Public Service Award Stratford 6/12/2006; Stratford Unit Citations 11/3/2007 & 11/21/2008; Uniformed Professional Firefighter of CT certificate of Appreciation for outstanding dedication and excellence in advancing ideals of the professional fire service 11/20/2009 and a Life Member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department. Dennis earned the honor of being inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA) Hall of Fame in 2023.

Dennis earned his Private Pilot License (PPL) and flew Cessnas, in addition to being a Jump Master when skydiving, he loved history, the Three Stooges, Honeymooners, BBQ Pitmasters, Finding Big Foot and the secrets of Skinwalker ranch, the Joe & Joe Weather show, along with a love/hate relationship with the Mets.

A visitation for Dennis will be held Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 9:00am - 1:00 pm at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT. Funeral Service will be held during the visitation at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stellafane - The Springfield Telescope Makers, P.O. Box 601, Springfield, VT 05156.