MONROE, CT — Dennis Cassia, a self-described astronomy nerd, once trekked 600 miles to Kinston, N.C., to see his first solar eclipse with Andy Sajor in 1970 and went on to witness a second eclipse with his friend 54 years later. Cassia was a former high school science teacher, who went on to become a respected firefighter and instructor, who was inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame two years ago.
On Thursday morning, the beloved husband of Kim Cassia passed away and his loss was felt throughout town.
First Selectman Terry Rooney lowered the flag in front of Town Hall to half-mast in Cassia’s honor.
“On behalf of the Town of Monroe, we mourn the loss of a beloved citizen and longtime member of our Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, Dennis Cassia,” Rooney wrote in a post on the town’s Facebook page. “Dennis and his wife Kim, have made a major impact in the lives of everyone that knew them. Dennis represented the highest level of honor and respect demonstrated in the fire service. He will be deeply missed. Our hearts and support are with Kim, his daughter Jennifer, and the entire Cassia family.”
Kim Cassia first met Dennis when she was a firefighter with the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department in Old Greenwich taking his Fire Instruction 1 class. They met again at a volleyball tournament with members of the Stepney Volunteer Fire Department in Monroe. Dennis asked Kim if he could call her, sparking their relationship in the 1990s.
Kim Cassia, the town’s Community and Social Services director, runs the Monroe Senior Center, which also posted a message on Facebook Thursday:
We are deeply saddened by the news of Kim Cassia’s husband Dennis’s passing. She has always been such a source of strength and kindness to so many of us, and now it’s our turn to show her our love and support. Please keep her in your thoughts.
Dennis Cassia first became a firefighter in 1975 when he joined the volunteer fire company in Pleasantville, N.Y. The former high school science teacher went on to embark on a 50-year-career as a firefighter.
In Connecticut, he joined the Stratford Fire Department, where he earned a citation for his actions responding to an emergency call in December of 1992, when Storm Beth ravaged the Northeast.
He served as a Stratford firefighter for 25 years, before retiring as a battalion chief in 2009.
Cassia also served on the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, rising through the ranks as lieutenant, captain, second assistant chief, safety officer and the department’s first ever chief’s aide. He was the Monroe training officer for 10 years.
Among the many awards and citations he earned in Stratford and Monroe, Cassia was an MVFD Firefighter of the Year.
On Thursday, the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department expressed its loss in a post on its Facebook page:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Life Member and Past Assistant Chief Dennis Cassia. Dennis was a beloved fixture in our fire department for 40 years where he served in several officer roles including most recently as our Chiefs’ Aide.
Dennis began his impressive firefighting career 50 years ago as a volunteer in Pleasantville, NY before becoming a career firefighter in Stratford, CT where he retired at the rank of Assistant Chief as a Shift Commander.
Dennis had a passion for education and continuous learning, first as a chemistry teacher which positioned him well to serve as an Instructor for the State of CT Fire Academy for over 35 years.
There, he imparted his extensive knowledge to help develop thousands of firefighters and officers over the years. He received numerous awards and citations from the Stratford and Monroe fire departments and the Fairfield County Chiefs Association, culminating in his prestigious induction into the CT State Firefighters Hall of Fame.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife Kim Cassia; our Life Member, Past President and current Health & Safety Officer, a daughter, son, 2 grandchildren, a brother and a sister. Outside of the fire service, Dennis had a love of astronomy, history, The Three Stooges, and a love/hate relationship with the Mets.
Further details regarding burial services will be shared as they become available. We extend our sincere appreciation for the care and concern shown to Dennis and his family during his recent illness. The vast knowledge, insights and humor that Dennis contributed cannot be replicated, but as they say: We’ll take it from here, Chief.
A true hero in every sense of the word. Rest in peace, chief.