Dr. Francis Patrick "Tad" Cassidy, Jr.

Tad Cassidy died on July 31st with family by his side after his struggle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s for 10 years. This vicious disease shortened our family’s quality time together. The strength and courage Tad showed while fighting this disease was remarkable. As a family, we celebrate a great man, who touched so many lives. Our grief is a small price to pay for his peace.

Tad was born December 13, 1953 in Pensacola, Florida. He moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the age of seven, where he graduated high school from Shady Side Academy. He went on to complete a Bachelor’s of Arts at Wesleyan University, graduating in 1975. Tad graduated medical school from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979. He began his medical career as general surgeon, and completed a residency in general surgery followed by a residency in radiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He then completed a Fellowship in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at Johns Hopkins. After finishing his training, Tad became an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. There, he was also involved in creating, testing, and modifying many of the devices which he later used in his daily practice. He then brought his skills and expertise to Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, joining Radiology Associates in 1992.

As a practicing physician in Oklahoma, Tad earned the deepest respect and gratitude of his patients for his progressive care and personal attention. His creative and innovative approach to medicine allowed him to improve the quality of life of many. He was also incredibly appreciative of his staff and nurses, whose dedication and teamwork made his practice a place of exceptional care and compassion.

Tad had boundless energy for work and play. Because of his never-ending curiosity, he enjoyed discovering new things. As a life long learner, he engaged in endless hobbies and activities. He especially loved the beauty of the outdoors: skiing on a mountain or on a lake, cycling around the country, watching birds, growing magnificent clematises and roses, strategizing on the croquet court, and stargazing. Tad had a deep appreciation for music, dancing, playing guitar and saxophone, going to concerts, and singing his heart out. He enjoyed giving back to his community by volunteering at the Food Bank and cherished the fellowship he was a part of at All Souls’ Episcopal Church as a lay reader and usher. Tad loved to savor the experience of food—some of his favorite treats were lobster, chocolate, and champagne.

Tad’s dream of having a large family of his own was instantly fulfilled when marrying Meridith, who already had four children. The family continued to grow with the birth of twins. Later, he became “Papa Tad” to his nine grandchildren. He shared his unique perspective and passion for life with his family, inspiring them to find the joy, excitement, and wonders the world has to offer. His family was his greatest love.

For Tad, there was so much to see and do. He relished his annual family beach trip to Pensacola, where he did some of his favorite things with his favorite people. These summer adventures provided non stop fun-in-the-sun with discoveries around every corner. He enjoyed snorkeling, flying kites, boogie boarding, building sand castles, and searching for sea shells, sharing these experiences with his children and grandchildren. Through this gift, the spirit of Tad lives on in his family.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the dedicated caregivers and staff at Iris Memory Care and Trinity Hospice, who provided compassionate support during these last few years. Their unwavering care, kindness, and attention allowed him to live with comfort and dignity. The respect you give improves the quality of life with whom you interact—you know who you are!

Tad is survived by his wife Meridith; children Ashley, Sidney, Hayden (Michael), Stuart (Arlena), Lizzie, and Katie; grandchildren Chelsy, Sofia, Tristan, Molly, Caleb, Ryan, Lorenzo, Kaitlyn, and Alistair; his sister Jude; his sisters-in-law Leslie (Hans), Kathy (John), Elaine (Gary); other family Sean, Kevin, Nikki, Traci, and Patrick; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Dr. Elsie Broussard, and father Dr. F.P. Cassidy, Sr., and Dane Cassidy.

There will be a private service for family Tuesday at All Souls’ Episcopal Church. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family at their home to celebrate Tad’s life at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to two of his favorite places—All Souls’ Episcopal Church or The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.