SHOREWOOD – Thomas "Allen" Cassady, 76, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

He was born in Springfield on March 28, 1949, to Theodore John "TJ" and Juanita (McDowell) Cassady. He married his devoted wife of 56 years, Melissa Chapman Cassady, on August 16, 1969.

Allen grew up attending First United Methodist Church and graduated from Springfield High School in 1967. He was most honored to play football for the University of Iowa in 1967 through 1970, earning three varsity letters playing center for his beloved Hawkeyes.  He graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Parks and Recreation in 1971 and later from Northeastern Illinois University with a MA in Urban Development. Allen spent the majority of his career in the parks and recreation field, serving as Superintendent or Director in Iowa City, IA, Joliet, IL, Streamwood, IL and Monroe County, New York, and later as general manager of the Joliet Country Club. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity in Iowa City and a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in the Valley of Chicago. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping and traveling to see new sites across the USA and was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.

He is survived by his wife, Missie; two sons, who he was extremely proud of, James M. (Michelle) Cassady and Theodore A. (Carolyn) Cassady; grandchildren, Collin (Sara) Cassady, Madison Cassady, Connor Cassady, Cam Cassady, Sean Cassady and Caitlyn Cassady; great-granddaughter, Quinn Alexandria Cassady; brothers, David J. Cassady and S. Patrick (Jodi) Cassady; sister, Mary (Dennis) Kepler; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ASPCA in honor of his many beloved dogs, particularly Bella and Toby.