Ronald E. Cassetti

Ronald E. Cassetti, 80, died February 11 in Trumansburg, NY. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Ron was born September 17, 1932 in Rochester, NY. He was raised in a close-knit family in Elmira, NY where he graduated from Elmira Free Academy. At the age of 7, a visit to the 1939 New York World’s Fair and the newly opened Rockefeller Center inspired him to become an architect. Cassetti graduated with a Bachelors of Architecture from Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh in 1956. He apprenticed in Houston, TX, New York, NY and Sarasota, FL. Shortly after receiving his license to practice architecture, at the age of 29, he was awarded a major commission to design Mount Saviour Monastery in Elmira, NY. In 1960 Cassetti opened his first office, Hirsh and Cassetti in Elmira. He devoted his career to practicing architecture in his hometown for the next 38 years. His designs can be seen across New York State and include residences, hospitals, churches, schools and university buildings. He was both a devoted modernist and a passionate advocate for historic preservation. Cassetti was a lifelong champion of the arts. His home and office fostered creative conversation in the community and always welcomed artists and dreamers. Cassetti served as President of the Arnot Art Museum, the Elmira City Club and the New York State chapter of the American Institute of Architects. In 1998, Cassetti moved to Charlotte, NC where his work focused on mentoring young architects. Cassetti retired in 2003, moving to Trumansburg, NY.

Ron Cassetti is survived by his wife Mary, children, Robert (Elizabeth Q.) and Gloria, and two grandchildren Katherine and Alexander, all of Trumansburg, NY. He is also survived by his brother Marlowe of Penrose, CO. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Eisinger of Elmira, NY.

A remembrance will be held Saturday, March 30, 2 PM at Church of the Epiphany, 12 Elm Street, Trumansburg, NY, followed by a reception at home.

His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to Mount Saviour Monastery, 231 Monastery Road, Pine City, NY 14871-9787, Ulysses Philomathic Library 74 E. Main St, Trumansburg NY 14886, or Church of the Epiphany, P.O. Box 459, Trumansburg, NY 14886.