Roll Call Tribute

John Cassidy "Cass" Cheesar 

March 8, 1964 - October 13, 2024 

On October 13, 2024, at age 60, John Cassidy “Cass” Cheesar left this world, leaving behind cherished memories after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Known for his warmth, laughter, and resilience, Cass was a devoted son, brother, father, husband, and uncle who made an indelible mark on everyone he met. Though he was raised in Dallas, Texas, Cass called Austin home for over 25 years.

Cass attended Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas before earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Texas A&M University. Later, he pursued his passion for architecture with a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. Cass found great joy in his work as an architect, starting his career with notable Austin firms before establishing his own company, where he specialized in design/build projects. As an active member of AIA Austin, Cass co-chaired the Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee, fostering resources and continuing education for residential architects. He gave back to his community by volunteering at local schools, contributing his architectural talents to various projects, and advocating for human rights and creative freedom.

Cass had a unique zest for life, marked by his ever-present smile, quick wit, and love for music, travel, and dancing. His loyal companions, dogs Maggie and Ollie, were never far from his side. Cass was a devoted father, guiding his daughters with wisdom and encouraging them to be authentic, pursue their dreams, and speak their truth. His impact on others will be remembered and treasured by family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. Cass passed peacefully, assured of the love surrounding him and the difference he made in the world. His remains have been donated to research at Southwestern University, contributing to the quest for a cure for Lewy Body Dementia.

Cass is predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Nona Cheesar. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Sophia Rose Cheesar (25) and Ella Cassidy Cheesar (23), and their mother, Carla Umlauf-Cheesar, all of Austin, TX. Cass also leaves behind his brothers, Joseph Cheesar and Anthony Cheesar (Jennifer Cheesar), and his sister, Maria Rose Cheesar, along with three nieces, Hannah, Emily, and Lilly Cheesar, all of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by two aunts-Kay Sansone and Jane Cassidy-along with many cousins.

The family would like to thank Cass’s best buddy Madi Beadle, the awesome staff of caregivers along with the administrative team of Silverado Southlake Memory Care Community and also the Silverado Hospice team. All took phenomenal care of Cass and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience for him.

A private Mass for immediate family will be held in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America, a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to supporting dementia research and resources or to the O’Donnell Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Contributions can be made at: https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate or https://odonnellbraininstitute.utsouthwestern.edu/giving/ for UT Southwestern Medical Center.