Robert Rogers Cassilly, 95, Of Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Robert Rogers Cassilly died Jan. 4 at his home in Bel Air. He was 95.

He was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Harford County, according to his obituary, which said he graduated from the University of Baltimore Law School and worked as an engineer assistant at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Cassilly served in three wars — World War II in the U. S. Merchant Marine, Korean War in the U.S. Army and in the Vietnam War as a Department of Defense advisor. Upon retiring, he was a member of the Harford County Historical Society, Knights of Columbus and Aberdeen Military Museum Foundation. He was also a member of Saint Ignatius Catholic Church in Hickory, according to his obituary.

He is a father of 12, including Senator Robert G. Cassilly and retired Harford County State's Attorney Joseph Cassilly.

"I want to thank the Cassilly family for their service" to the county, state and country, Council President Patrick Vincenti said at Tuesday night's County Council meeting, noting each of Robert Rogers Cassilly's children had contributed to the community in their own right.

“They all are outstanding community members,” added Councilman Tony Giangiordano, who said he was classmates with Lucy (Cassilly) Godfrey.

Robert Rogers Cassilly is survived by his wife, Nancy Webster Cassilly; children: Joseph (Diana) Cassilly, Jane (Tom) Knapp, Mary Cassilly, Ann (Don) Lyons, Martha (Henry) Parkman, Robert (Debi) Cassilly, Lucy (Peter) Godfrey, Veronica Cassilly (partner, Carey Marzicola), Andrew (Amy) Cassilly and Ruth Cassilly; sister, Frances Cassilly Adams; brother, Peter Cassilly; 31 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren, according to his obituary, which says he was preceded in death by daughter Becky Cassilly Borland; son Michael Cassilly; brother Richard Cassilly; sister Catherine Crahan; and parents, Robert R. Cassilly Sr. and Vera (Swart) Cassilly.

A memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Forest Hill. Watch the service here, which was followed by military honors.

Memorial contributions may go to the Knights of Columbus, 23 Newport Drive, Forest Hill, MD 21050.