The following comes from a November 17 SF Gate obituary:
Father Felix Francis Edward Cassidy, OP died peacefully on Friday, November 13, 2015. Father Felix was born on June 3, 1927 and raised in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights. He was baptized at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco. He attended St. Ignatius Prep. He was a World War II veteran, joining the Merchant Marine at the age of 17, serving from 1945-46.
Throughout his life in the Dominican Order, Father Felix had various assignments; however, he would spend most of his life at his beloved St. Dominic’s Church & Priory. Father Felix was clothed in the Dominican habit on August 14, 1948 in Ross, CA, and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1954 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco.
His parents, Edward George Cassidy and Mildred Mary Callan, christened him “Francis,” but the Dominican Order would give him the name “Felix.” It was a most appropriate name because it means “Happy” and that is how we would best describe him. His brothers and most others called him “Fr. Cas” or just plain “Cas.”
Even though it was not unexpected, after a long struggle with declining health, his death was a jolt to us, particularly to the contemporary generation of his confreres who could not imagine the Western Dominican Province without him. His was a defining presence in our lives. We were never unaware that there was a saint among us. With his distinctive voice and humor, he was our own local St. Joseph of Cupertino. He lived life to its fullness, displaying his child-like simplicity and playfulness-yet, always remaining a model of Christian virtue, like the great saints of old.
To honor the memory of Fr. Felix, donations to “opwest.org/frfelixmemorial” will support the education of future priests and brothers of the Western Dominican Province.
Vigil Services were celebrated on Thursday, November 19th, at St. Dominic’s Church, San Francisco. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, November 20th, at St. Dominic’s Church, San Francisco, which was followed by burial at St. Dominic’s Cemetery in Benicia, CA.
Someone I know heard from a Dominican priest that there may already be a miracle that is being attributed to Fr. Felix.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Fr. Felix Cassidy was a very kind-hearted, older Dominican priest! I am so sorry he passed away! He was a very kind soul! Requiescat in pace, Fr. Felix! Bless you!
Penitents will miss our dear Lord’s words though Father Felix…forgiveness, encouragement and fresh motivation on our journey to heaven!
Let us pray for holy confessors and for penitents as we approach the Year of Mercy beginning December 8th.
Fr. Felix Cassidy was a wonderful man! He personified friendliness and kindness to all those that came into contact with him. He was a wonderful example of life lived as a Christian.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
This was a wonderful Catholic priest and Dominican, in very dark times indeed. He was a pillar of the city and of St. Dominic, and his confessional line was always long…and well worth it.
For those who haven’t seen the testimonial of his life on the occasion of his 75th birthday in approx. 2002, it is a large insight into a wonderful life, permated by the Rosary, devotion to the Blessed Virgin and to St. Jude, and to all that the Catholic Church has always taught:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKPtPsF1UwA
God bless him. RIP
Father Cassidy was my cousin “Buddy” as the family called him. I was very blessed to have gone to his ordination at St. Mary’s when I was only 12 years old. There was a very beautiful reception at my Aunt Mildred and Uncle Ed’s home and I remember asking Buddy if he would bless a medal that I had of the Blessed Virgen Mary. I was so excited as this medal was the first one he blessed after becoming a priest that day. Further into the future, Buddy married my husband and myself at Incarnation Church in Glendale California. We are still married 62 years later and Buddy told us, “I tie a very strong knot”. Well that is for sure.
Rest in Peace my dear cousin. My love, your cousin Patricia.