2. misc-audio
  3. 174898-21519

Soundsmith notes the passing of Doug Cassara

I would like to post here the passing of Doug Cassara, of Mamaroneck New York, last evening.

Doug was one of my audio/engineer "students" back in the beginning of the 70's; he worked for Julius Futterman as well. Doug was severely injured in a car accident, and became a quadriplegic in his 20's. As many know, they don't live very long. Doug lived for more than 45 years in his wheel chair, his breathing created by wires to his diaphragm, his speech timed as it allowed. Doug was one of the few heroes I have known. He took up water color painting with a brush handle placed in his mouth; he collected and repaired tons of audio gear by teaching others what to do with their hands and minds. He came to Soundsmith to visit and listen -  I gifted him a strain gauge when he showed interest in it, which brought him some measure of joy. His love of music was deeper than anyone could imagine, and went to concerts as often as he could, and befriended many musicians.

He needed 24/7 nursing at home for all the years in that chair and in bed, in case the machine failed to make him breathe. He was hospitalized many times, and NEVER gave up. A recent hospitalization was one he could not recover from, and he asked that his support be terminated. I do not have one cell in my body that is as brave and courageous and determined to survive as much as his entire being did. He deserves to be mentioned here; he was an audio engineer and audiophile like few others. God speed Doug - I will continue to pray for you, and pray there is so much music where you are. I will miss you. You were one of the very few heroes left for us to admire in this age. 

Peter Ledermann/Soundsmith

     

retipper
tmw57
3 posts
 

 

Peter,

Thanks so much for your loving and tender remembrance of our friend Doug.

Doug was a dear friend for over 30 years. Possibly the toughest and funniest person I’ve ever known.

When I lived in NYC he loved coming to my place as it was a loft that was essentially one big room so he could rip around in his wheelchair with abandon..I’d bring him up on the freight elevator..

When he was at my place, he had a great way of making new acquaintances at a party...he’d roll up to someone and say funny crap  like " Hey, just cause I’m a cripple it doesn’t mean I don’t like potato chips. And I could use a shot of whiskey as well...." His way of putting people at ease and telling them, as only he could, that he was here to have fun but needed a bit of help from his friends..

I’ve spent a lot of today crying and telling my girlfriend just what sort of friend he’s been all these years.

R.I.P Turkeyburger, your friends loved you so much..

Todd

retipper OP
61 posts
 

The Parting


there is no place where leaves can fall
where the Earth will not love to embrace
as no color deep could hope to enthrall
my heart more than the gift of your grace


for the seasons' not a time for change
but a change for time to draw a breath
and with its canvas rearrange
light from dark, life from death


as terraced gardens disappear
milkweed pods their children strayed
adrift on songs we’ve yet to hear
the invisible law to be obeyed


and with each part the parting goes
the autumn winds, the summer seeds
adrift beneath the winter snows
with noble dreams and daring deeds


So let time not into pieces go
where one without the other marks
a broken part of the heart we know
complete, and sails where love embarks


peter ledermann

tsushima1
1,165 posts
 

An incredibly brave individual who never gave up on living his life … RIP  

jim5559
604 posts
 

The love between you both  is the ultimate in the eyes of GOD ,

Both of you will meet again ,   R.I.P 

sailboat
45 posts
 

Thank you Peter for posting this.  

may he Rest In Peace.  he suffered and endured a lot.

I am glad you remember him and celebrate his strength.

More to discover