Cassell, Jr., Stuart Kent
Stuart Kent Cassell, Jr., M.D., 68, of Blacksburg, died Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at Montgomery Regional Hospital. He was born January 4, 1938 to the late Stuart Kent and Catherine Neff Cassell.
Dr. Cassell was educated in private and public schools in Blacksburg and graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1955 before going to Virginia Tech where he received a degree in biology in 1959.
He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1966 and completed internship, residency, and fellowship in Charlottesville as well. He returned to Blacksburg in 1970 to become the community’s first pediatrician.
In 1971, he became a member of the original Board of Trustees of Montgomery Regional Hospital and served as Chairman of Pediatrics and Nurseries in the new hospital. In 1973, he was elected to fellowship in the American Academy of Pediatrics. For over 35 years, he enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the growth and development of his patients and valued the many relationships he established in the process.
In addition to his professional activities, he pursued many interests, including gardening, birdwatching, raising waterfowl, and the study of history. An avid and lifelong fan of Virginia Tech athletics, he had an all-consuming interest in and enthusiasm for the football and basketball teams.
He was a founding member of St. Francis Anglican Church, where he also served as a lay reader and Vestry member. He was a current member of the Board of Directors of the Smithfield-Preston Foundation and was a lifetime member of The Nature Conservancy.
Dr. Cassell is survived by his wife of 36 years, Martha Sim Cassell of Blacksburg; daughter, Ann Stuart Cassell of Blacksburg; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael Neff and Ann C. Cassell of Waco, Texas, Gerald Sidney (Jerry) and Linda O. Cassell of Richmond, Va.; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 2 p.m. at St. Francis Anglican Church with the Rev. Dr. Lawrence Adams officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Anglican Church, 306 Progress St., Blacksburg, Va. 24060; The Nature Conservancy, 490 Westfield Road, Charlottesville, Va. 22901; Smithfield-Preston Foundation, P.O. Box 11531, Blacksburg, Va. 24062, or the Class of 1966/ Pullen Scholarship, U.VA. Medical School Foundation, P.O. Box 800776, Charlottesville, Va. 22908.
Friends may call anytime after 12 noon Monday, and the family will receive friends from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 Monday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg.