Gilbert W. Cass, 83, of Fairfield, CT, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025.

    Born in New York City on October 26, 1941, Gilbert was the son of the late Cyril and Louise Cass of West Hartford, CT.

    Gilbert was a career educator who dedicated his life to teaching students and training teachers. He graduated from Fairfield University and earned a Master of Education degree from Central Connecticut State University. His teaching career started in West Hartford, CT at Northwest Catholic High School and, later, Hall High School, where he formed many cherished, lifelong friendships with students and fellow educators alike.

    Throughout his distinguished career, he served in various capacities across school districts in Connecticut and New York. He concluded his career serving in various administrative capacities in Katonah, NY, including Principal of John Jay High School. He leaves behind a lasting legacy as a progressive educator who embraced innovative teaching methods, including open classrooms in the humanities as a young English teacher. He continued to advocate for liberal education reforms throughout his career and into retirement.

    He had a deep passion for classic literature, jazz music, theater, progressive politics, cooking, and baseball. He also loved New York City, where he lived for many years. Above all, he cherished his family and friends. Gil was almost always the smartest, funniest, most curious person in the room.

    He is survived by his sons Christopher (Ellen) of Fairfield, CT, and Richard (Jessica Daly) of Monroe, CT; his daughter Emily McGuire (Darren) of Fairfield, CT; seven grandchildren: Leah, Jillian, Lucy, Delia, James, Kathryn, and William; and his former wife Mary Ann Cass of Fairfield, CT.

    He was predeceased by his sister Barbara.

    All services will be held privately. To leave a condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.

    If you wish to make a charitable donation in Gil's honor, please use the following link to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Please opt to send an ecard with "Cass Family" as the recipient to rcass@protonmail.com: https://tinyurl.com/casswwfdonate