David Lawrence Cassidy

David Cassidy, 69, of Decatur, Georgia, passed away on November 1, 2026. David was born and raised in the Albany, New York area, where he graduated from Bethlehem Central High School before attending the State University of New York in New Paltz, NY.

Upon leaving college, David found his way into the culinary arts where he spent the majority of his career. Early in his career he was a Sous Chef at Windows on the World in New York, NY before moving on to to be the Chef, Manager for the Malachite Showroom at the Registry Hotel in Dallas, TX. Later, David moved to Atlanta, GA to assume the role of Executive Chef at the Colony Square Hotel.

David enjoyed a long working relationship with his mentor, Henri Boubée, from Windows on the World, which later led him to opportunities at several properties in the Ritz Carlton chain over the years. David later moved to Naples, FL where he worked for the Registry Resort and eventually opened his own restaurant serving Cajun cuisine, which was well received locally.

After many years he needed a break from the long hours in the kitchen to attend to his young family. He decided to do something that would allow him to combine his love for fishing with his work life. He bought a boat and hung out his shingle as a local fishing guide in South Florida. Captain Dave's charters had a unique twist, he would gladly filet your catch and grill it off the back of the boat making for a very personal fishing and dining experience.

Eventually, David made his way back to Atlanta, his adopted hometown, where he spent many years working as a bartender at the coffee shop/bar, Java Lords, before retiring to South Florida in 2020 to take care of his aging mother. He recently returned to Atlanta after his mother passed away at 93.

David was preceded in death by his father, John Cassidy in 2006, and his mother, Marilyn Cassidy in August 2026. David is survived by his daughter, Wylie Walker, her husband Jeff, and their son of Lexington, SC, and his sister, Elizabeth Starling and her partner, Erik McGregor, of Tappan, NY.

A celebration of David's life is planned for 3 PM on Saturday, November 14 at the Seven Stages Theater located at 1105 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. Please join David's family and friends to celebrate his remarkable life. Donations in memory of David can be made to Seven Stages Theater https://www.7stages.org/donate/.