It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marc Lucien Cassier on August 25, 2026, at the age of 91.
Marc was born in Paris, France, on January 13, 1935, to his loving parents, Maurice and Blanche Cassier, who predeceased him.
At just five years old, Marc's life was forever shaped by history. On June 13, 1940, he fled Paris with his parents and grandparents as Nazi forces advanced through France. The family journeyed south and was among the fortunate recipients of a visa granted by Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese diplomat whose courageous humanitarian efforts saved thousands of lives during World War II. Through Spain, the family found refuge in Portugal, where they lived for a year before immigrating to New York City in June 1941 as refugees.

It was not until his seventies that Marc learned an extraordinary truth about his family's history. He discovered that his family surname had originally been Horwitz, and that he and his family were, unbeknownst to him for much of his life, Holocaust survivors.

Marc attended Cardinal Hayes High School and went on to earn his Engineering Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1957. Shortly thereafter, he married the love of his life, Maria Bouloukos, on May 3, 1958. Together they built a remarkable life grounded in love, resilience, and devotion to family.
In 1965, Marc and Maria moved to Canada, where they established Cassier Associates Ltd., an engineering firm that reflected Marc's expertise, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. He proudly became a Canadian citizen in 1995.

Marc found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved spending time on the golf course, enjoying good food with family and friends, collecting coins, and sharing memories and laughter with "the Boys" from Montreal. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support.

Marc leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Maria, and his cherished children: Monique (Jon) Wardner, Michel (Andrea) Cassier, and Marc (Katrina) Cassier. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Madeleine, Andrew, Nicholas, Luc, Katherine, Destin, and Noelle. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Fallon, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Sousa Mendes Foundation in honour of Marc's remarkable family history and the humanitarian generosity that helped save their lives. Donations may be made at Sousa Mendes Foundation.