Robert Lee Cassa

Robert Lee Cassa, who was well-known as "Bob", was born on January 16, 1956 in San Carlos, AZ, to Allen Cassa and Rosie Wiley Cassa. He grew up in Gilson Wash riverside area where he lived most of his life and was from the Tanaskizin clan born for Discheen. Other than "Bob, he had other nicknames, "Toothpick Bob" because he was always thin, "Roberto or Berto", and, "Bobby" as he was called in his younger years. Bob graduated from Globe High School. After high school, he, first, attended Northern Arizona University, then, later transferred to Arizona State University and earned his bachelor's degree from ASU. In December 1985 he earned his Master's in Public Health from the University of Hawaii. As a young man, he started his employment with the San Carlos Apache Tribe in a position with the Health Authority, starting the health careers program. He worked and lived for a few years at Owyhee, Nevada on the Duck Water Indian Reservation. He later returned to San Carlos to serve as the Health Educator with San Carlos Indian Hospital for over 20 years. As Health Educator, he promoted health and wellness on the San Carlos Indian Reservation which impacted people of all ages. He coordinated various events regarding health and wellness and worked with many people on and off the reservation. Bob was part of People Helping People and went through the New Directions personal growth training where he made many new friends. He was a federal employee with the Indian Health Service for about 26 years. Bob battled leukemia in 1993 and was a cancer survivor for nearly 21 years. Bob was a very active member in the community and was involved in so many things, such as working with the youth for several years in Youth Helping Youth, inspiring and guiding our youth into leadership roles, helping the youth raise funds to attend the annual UNITY conferences, serving as the Veteran's Parade Committee Chairperson, serving on the Head Start Policy Council, San Carlos Library Board, St. Charles Parish Council, serving on the ASU Alumni Association, and, he proudly served on the San Carlos School Board for approximately 23 years, 12 of those years were as Board President. His commitment to education resulted in the dedication of the "Robert L. Cassa Governing Board Center Building". Bob considered education a valuable resource and whole-heartedly believed that San Carlos School District produced many outstanding students. In January 2008, Bob was selected as the Director of Clarence Wesley Health Center and transferred from San Carlos Indian Hospital to Bylas, AZ. Bob loved working in the Bylas community and with the employees whom he supervised. He served as the Director until his passing. Bob was a devoted Catholic and attended Sunday mass every Sunday at St. Charles Catholic Church. He greeted parishioners before mass and regularly assisted with services. He was a God-father to many children in baptism because of his strong faith. Bob also respected the Apache tradition and participated in many ceremonies with family and friends; often training our young men on being the "basket man". He was excited to become a God-father through the Apache Sunrise Dance earlier this year. Bob was a great friend to many. He loved to laugh. He loved the color green. He loved "Footprints". He loved to watch tennis. He loved to travel. He loved pancakes and cake. In his younger years, he loved to play basketball. He loved to play the slot machines. He loved to tease people and had a great sense of humor, often putting people on the spot and some would actually try to hide so Bob wouldn't call on them. He loved to have fun and enjoy life. Most of all, he loved being "Grandpa Bob". Robert Lee Cassa is survived by his mother, Rosie Wiley Cassa, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters: Sanford Cassa (Beatrice), Karl L. Cassa (Verna), Allen Cassa Jr. (Irene), Anthony Cassa (Karen), Geraldine Kitcheyan, Nella J. Ben (Leon "Wally"), Charlotte Cassa-Polk (Samuel). He is also survived by 16 nephews, 9 nieces, 58 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Cassa, brothers, Bradley Cassa and baby Adolph, sisters, Naomi Cassa and baby Iris Irene, and 3 nephews, Bradley Cassa Jr, Willard Cassa, and Buck Kitcheyan Jr. Bob is also survived by cousins, clan relatives, extended relatives, numerous friends, and co-workers.