Obituary of Shirley B. Cassinari

Shirley Blanche Smith Cassinari, 96, of Poughkeepsie died Saturday, Jan. 21, after several years of declining health at the Pines of Poughkeepsie. Born in Middletown, NY, on Dec. 19, 1920, she moved to Pleasant Valley as a child and lived the remainder of her life in the Poughkeepsie area. She was a homemaker and secretary for her husband's construction business, and a wonderful mother, who loved the Lord Jesus Christ and served him with all her heart. Shirley loved all people, and even in her darkest hours of sickness and affliction would open her eyes and smile to whoever was present. Prior to her illness, she was active in her church, the Faith Assembly of God. She "adopted" children from other countries and helped support them with her donations. She would often pray for the homeless and less fortunate whom she observed in the course of her daily life. She was never selfish, always giving, always understanding and never condemning. Shirley taught her children never to make fun of a person or their looks, but to love everyone no matter what their appearance or who they were. She was much loved by her sons and will be dearly missed. Her smile said it all, that the joy of the Holy Spirit was in her. She is now with our Lord Jesus Christ and the earth has lost a precious person and spirit. Heaven will now be a bit brighter with our mom's smile. Shirley was the proud mother of three sons, all of whom served in the military. She was preceded in death by husband John Cassinari and her son Johnny Cassinari. She is survived by sons, Ramon Cassinari of Poughkeepsie, who helped with her caregiver, and Gary Van Voorhis, of Ormond Beach, FL. Also one granddaughter, Denise Lanzillotti of New Paltz and three great-grandchildren, Marine Corps LCpl Jordan Scivolette of Okinawa, Gabrielle Scivolette of Poughkeepsie and Joseph Lanzillotti II of New Paltz. Flowers are welcomed. Calling hour will be held Friday January 27, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. A Graveside Service will be held 11am Saturday January 28, 2017 at the Washington Hollow Cemetery Salt Point, New York. If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com