Passed on Tuesday, 31 December 2019

The Rev. Dr. Barry E. Cass passed away peacefully at his home in Ellington, CT on December 31, 2019.  The Rev. Cass served over 28 years at Somers Congregational Church in Somers CT.

Barry is survived by two sons, Tyler Cass and his wife Suzanne of Enfield, CT, Noah Cass and his wife Stacey of Somers, CT, his mother, Natalie Cass of Hancock, NH, two brothers, Michael Cass of Peterborough, NH, Neal Cass and his wife Alexandra Heatley of Hancock, NH, a sister, Cheryl Jessie and her husband Bob of Bennington, NH, five grandchildren, Weston, Sawyer, Theodore, Brody and Vera Cass. He also is survived by his former wife, Deborah Cass and several nieces and nephews. 

Barry was born in Peterborough, NH, and lived in New Hampshire until 1989. While earning his undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire, Barry served as the interim minister in Deerfield, NH. He then earned a Masters in Divinity at Andover Newton Theological School.  He was ordained at the United Church of Penacook in 1980, and served as Pastor there for 13 years. He then moved to Somers, CT and became the Pastor at the Somers Congregational Church, eventually earning a Doctorate in Ministry at the Hartford Seminary. He retired in May of 2018 after over 28 years serving the community, one of the longest tenures in the church's history.  Barry faced one of his greatest challenges and achievements following the day the church burned to the ground on New Year's Day 2012. He united the congregation and the community in a time of sadness and need, and together, was able to rebuild the Somers Congregational Church gathering support from all over the world. He was "the rock" the congregation needed throughout the process and the Somers community will never forget his unwavering faith and comforting presence. He had an extraordinary sense of humor and was able to make all feel welcome and beloved by God.

Outside of his religious duties, Barry enjoyed working with Students Against Destructive Decisions and Somers Comes Together, was an avid photography buff, and enjoyed genealogy. Family was deeply important to Barry, he dedicated his retirement life to his grandchildren, never missed his Saturday night phone call with his mother, and was the life of family gatherings. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Calling hours will be at 4:00-8:00pm, January 10, 2020 at the Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main Street, Somers, CT.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 11:00am at the Somers Congregational Church, 599 Main St Route 190, Somers, CT.  Donations in Barry's memory may be made to Somers Congregational Church, PO Box 295, Somers, CT 06071, or to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 6600 SW 92nd Ave., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97223-7195.

For more information please go to:  https://www.leetestevens.com/memorials/rev-dr-barry-cass/4066875/