Mary Cassel died on June 18, 2018, surrounded by her family, at San Simeon by the Sound in Greenport. She ws 103.
Mrs. Cassel was born on April 8, 1915, in Uniondale, to Mary and Benjamin Ostrosky, first generation Polish immigrants. In 1935, she married William “Bill” Cassel and they had three children together, Jean, James “Jim,” and Joan, while residing in Southold.
Upon moving to Patchogue in 1952, Mary and Bill established, owned, and operated Cassel GMC Trucks, once the largest and oldest dealership in Long Island. Mrs. Cassel was a dynamic tenacious businesswoman who worked hand-in-hand with her husband, Bill, for over 30 years to build Cassel Trucks into a thriving family business known throughout the community.
In addition to her business acumen, she was deeply committed to her family and religious faith. She always supported community efforts and charities and made sure to help anyone in need of assistance. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, eventually moving to Florida. In Florida, she loved to tend to her garden.
Mrs. Cassel was predeceased by her husband and moved back to Quogue and East Patchogue in 1995 to be closer to her family. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, survivors said. Her grandchildren remember “Babcha” fondly for her homemade clam chowder and long walks by the pond.
She is survived by her three children, Jean More of East Moriches, Jim Cassel of Southold, and Joan Cassel-Kelly of Remsenburg; daughter-in-law Carol Cassel; and son-in-law Neal Kelly. In addition to her children and their spouses, she is survived by seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Memorial donations may be made to San Simeon by the Sound; in the memo, note “For the Activity Department, in honor of Mary Cassel.”
A private memorial Mass is planned.
on Jun 29, 2018