Thomas Lee Cassidy, affectionately known by several names including Papa Bear, Red Dog, TC, TLC, and Big Daddy, 74, of La Porte, peacefully passed away on January 3rd, 2024, at his daughter's home in La Porte, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.

 

Tom was born on November 5th, 1949, in La Porte, IN, to John “Ray” and Janice (Walker) Cassidy.

 

He leaves behind his daughter, Jamie (Brian) Dunham of La Porte; his grandchildren, Hannah, Ellis, and Ivy Dunham, all of La Porte, as well as Nikki Phelan of Elkhart.  Kathy Daniels, his friend and former wife, remained by his side until the end.  He will also be missed by his niece, Julie Cassidy of Longwood, Florida, and his sister, Susan (Roger) Holaway of La Porte, along with many dear lifelong friends.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Ray and Janice Cassidy; his sister, Janet Cassidy; and his nephew, Daniel Cassidy.

 

All of Tom’s companion dogs over the years—Rex, Wolfie, Buster, Lucy, Bear, Jake, and Kepler—also held a special place in his heart.

 

Tom took great pride in playing on the La Porte Slicers Baseball Team throughout high school and winning the State Championship in 1967. Over the course of his later years, he owned and operated The Cassidy Motel and RV Park, continuing the family legacy after his father and grandfather retired. Prior to that, he worked at Allis-Chalmers.

 

Tom had a green thumb and took great pleasure in sharing the bounty of his garden with friends and family.  He was also skilled in canning tomatoes, making pickles and applesauce, and cooking delicious meals.  Fishing, grilling, enjoying good music, and watching the Chicago Bears were among his favorite pastimes. Tom also had a knack for hosting memorable and wild parties.

 

A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place from 3 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, at Ogle's Inn, located at 603 Michigan Avenue, La Porte.  Several days prior to the gathering, a private family burial will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to La Porte Slicers Baseball, 602 F St., La Porte, IN  46350, or the La Porte County Animal Shelter, 2855 State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350.

 

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.