Born in New Orleans on November 22, 1965, Bert attended Holy Name of Jesus, De La Salle High School, and graduated from Loyola University of New Orleans in 1990 with a BS in Communications. He married Bonnie Powell in 1993, and the couple eventually settled in Maine, where Bert attended the Salt Institute’s graduate residency program in photojournalism. He began his career as a photojournalist for newspapers in Kennebunkport Maine, Gasden, Alabama, and finally Englewood, Florida, where he and Bonnie lived happily for the past 24 years.
Bert was a natural and excelled in athletics, acting, photography, journalism, cooking, and “Who-Datting”, in honor of his beloved Saints.
Always driven to learn, Bert discovered his true passion in 2007, when he climbed another ste in life to serve as a high school teacher in Charlotte County, Florida. His influence on the students at Port Charlotte High School, Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School, and most recently at Lemon Bay High School, was profound, and stands as a testament to his character and devotion to his calling. Commitment, discipline, kindness, strength, humor, loyalty, and an infectious exuberance for life and love of people, exemplified his life, which he instilled in his students, who mourn his loss.
Bert’s magnetic persona and joie de vivre drew people close to him, and it was often said that “Bert never met a stranger”. He has shared a pint and a laugh with many citizens throughout the globe during his and Bonnie’s adventurous travels, and has entertained friends and family with his humorous and spell-binding story telling.
Bert’s remarkable life has been the source of much joy and inspiration to all who knew him. He is much loved and sorely missed. His untimely death is a great loss to his loving family and friends, but his passing is heaven’s gain.
Bert is survived by his wife and soul-mate, Bonnie Powell, and a large and adoring family:
Father, Bert Cass, Jr. (Julie); Mother, Loretta Beverly Cass (Joe); Sister, Nicole Pauline Hingle (Ken); Son, Beau Michael Cass (Sarah Beth) and two beautiful grandchildren, Lola Rita and Luke Jude; Aunt, Denise Cass Lawless (Walter); and cousins, Stephanie (Graham), Wade, and Rosalie;
Aunt, Diane Cass, and cousins, Tim (Candace), Hagan, and Waker; Aunt, Elizabeth Cass;
Uncle, Paul Cass (Maureen); Aunt, Elena Cass and cousins, Ashton, Nicholas, and Claire
He is predeceased by his beloved grandparents, Bert Cass, Sr., and Rita Marie Cass.
A memorial service for Bert’s family and close friends will be held in New Orleans, when it is safe to do so.
A celebration of Bert’s life will also take place at home in Englewood, Florida, on a date to be announced.
A donation to the Drew Brees Foundation, in Bert’s name, is being established through the collaborative efforts of Lemon Bay High School students and faculty, along with Bert’s family, and friends. The Foundation assists children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, and also provides opportunities to children in need.
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