Brendan C. Cassidy, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, left this world suddenly on Saturday, April 29^th doing one of the things that he enjoyed – He was at a dog trial with his dog, Toby, a German Shorthaired Pointer, when he died of an unexpected heart attack in an open field.  He was 66 years old.

Brendan was born and raised in Kearny, New Jersey. He attended Essex Catholic High School and then entered Montclair State College.  He subsequently transferred to St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, pursuing a Biology degree.

Following college, Brendan took a trip to see his brother Kevin in California. While on the return plane trip he sat next to an executive of McDonnell Douglas, Jim Ross. Before the flight landed Brendan had secured a job with McDonnell Douglas as a Sales Representative. That opportunity probably was the best proof of Brendan’s sales ability.

Brendan enjoyed the simple things in his life.  He enjoyed his family and friends more than anything in his life.  His love for his children, Mario and Josephine, was his foremost love.  His love for them was without limits or bounds.  He never confused his true mission in life.  Mario and Josephine were his beginning and end.

Brendan was a renaissance man. He easily transitioned between technology companies, real estate, equine, sports, including hunting and fishing and music.

He honored and respected his Irish heritage – He loved Irish music and step dancing. His favorite music would have to include Jackson Browne, Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen.

Brendan eventually started his own technology company Hy-Tech Solutions, which had corporate relations for communications, product development, integration and sales.

At one point in mid life, he paused his career to provide caregiving assistance to his mother, who was suffering from long-term Alzheimer’s.  After his mother’s death, he transitioned into a similar role for his father’s care and maintenance until his death.

Brendan’s faith was a very important part of his life.  He was vigilant with both Mario and Josephine to ensure that they had exposure to a strong faith.  Brendan believed that good deeds beget good deeds. He also believed that it was even more important to do good deeds in more difficult times, even with difficult people.  He always operated from a pure heart and had belief that he needed to be true to his heart and feelings, other people had to take responsibility for their own private thoughts and opinions.

Brendan had the gift of being able to see the good in everyday events, large or small.  His personality was contagious and every day events were more enjoyable because of Brendan’s participation.

Brendan is predeceased by his parents, Josephine and Dominic Cassidy as well as his brothers Sean Cassidy and Ron Allan.

He is survived by his son Mario and his daughter Josephine and their mother Adele who lives in Colts Neck, New Jersey.  His siblings, Philip and his wife Mary Kay Cassidy, Bernadette Law, Kevin, and his wife Susan Cassidy and Patricia and her husband Robert Melvin, Henry Allan, and Brian and his wife Donna Cassidy.  He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation is on Thursday, May 4 from 4 pm until 8 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, New Jersey.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 5 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church, One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, New Jersey.

To share a favorite memory or send a message of condolence please visit Brendan’s page of tribute at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, please make donation to Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724, to honor the deceased.