Lasting Memories

Richard Cassel
Feb. 14, 1941-Sept. 10, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Richard “Dick” Cassel passed away on September 10, 2025, after several years of declining health. He was 84 years old. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, brilliant engineer, and generous community member, Richard lived a life guided by curiosity, integrity, and care for others. He was born on February 14, 1941, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, one of three sons of Brown County Clerk Johannes Cassel and Emilie (née Giske). Richard grew up with a deep appreciation for learning and problem-solving—gifts he carried with him throughout his life.

While attending Case Western Reserve University, he met Phyllis Banks (1941–2018), who would become his beloved wife and partner in life for 55 years. They married in 1963 and raised three children together, sharing a deep love for family, discovery, and service.

As an electrical engineer, Richard dedicated his career to designing power supplies for high-energy physics experiments. His work took him and his family to some of the world’s most prestigious research institutions, including Stony Brook University in New York, Fermilab in Illinois, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in New Jersey, and the JET Laboratory in England. In 1983 he settled in Palo Alto, working at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University for 25 years. He continued to work for many years after 'retirement', working with Stangenes Industries from 2003 till 2020.

He received the Kenneth J. Germeshausen Award at the 2010 IEEE International Power Modulator and High Voltage Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of power modulator technology for accelerator and energy applications.

Richard brought the same thoughtfulness and dedication to his community life. He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, where he offered his talents in audio-visual, electrical, and acoustics projects and helped lead the church’s transition to solar energy. His generosity of spirit and willingness to serve left a lasting mark.

To his family, Richard was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement. He took great interest in his children's and grandchildren’s education, careers, and interests. His hobbies included making puzzles for his friends and family.

Richard is survived by his children: Christopher and his spouse Andrea Shapiro; Diana Eppstein and her spouse David; and Charles and his spouse Jana. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sara and Timothy Eppstein and Charlie Cassel; his brother David Cassel and spouse Edith; and sister-in-law Elizabeth Banks. He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews, including Monika Cassel, her spouse Ewen, Rebecca Cassel and her family, the Honorable William Cassel, Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, 3rd Judicial District, and his spouse Audrey. He is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents, his brother Robert, and his half-brother John, and nephew Erik Cassel.

Richard’s legacy of intellect, kindness, humility, and love lives on in the memories of his family members and friends.