Somers Community Mourning Beloved Pastor [UPDATED]

SOMERS, CT — Parishioners, neighbors and friends are mourning the passing of Rev. Barry Cass, a longtime pillar of the Somers community who guided members of the Somers Congregational Church through the difficult months following a devastating fire exactly eight years ago. Cass died on New Year's Eve at age 67.

The late-night fire on New Year's Day 2012 destroyed the meetinghouse portion of the church, constructed in 1842. A rebuilding project was immediately started; during construction, Cass led services at Somers Town Hall and then Johnson Memorial Hospital until the building officially opened for Christmas Eve services in 2013.

Cass served his Somers parishioners for more than 28 years, retiring on May 20, 2018. According to his own personal Facebook page, the Ellington resident studied at the University of New Hampshire, Andover Newton Theological School and the Hartford Seminary.

Tributes to Cass have begun pouring in on social media sites, including his Facebook page and the Somers CT Open Forum on Facebook.

• "Barry taught me what it means to have, be, and hope to be, a friend for more than 50 years. He and his love will always be with us. So we cry." - Kevin Pettee
• "It’s a sad day in Somers. Our hearts are broken over the news of our friend’s passing, Reverend Barry Cass of Somers Congregational Church. I'm in shock, we had just spoken weeks ago and were planning to have lunch. Your smile was infectious, your eyes twinkled, your spirit was inspiring. You had a way about you that welcomed anyone to your presence. Your guidance and friendship were paramount. You had brought me through some of my darkest days and am forever grateful. Having you marry us was a blessing and so was your role in our lives. You were like a warm hug. A friendly face. A kind heart." - Janet Young Bloom
• "I am devastated by this news. Barry was such a good, solid man. He was always there for everyone regardless of religious or political affiliation. He has been missed these many months that he has been gone; however now we will miss him even longer. God rest his soul and RIP." - Michael Freedman
• "My youngest son was the first baptism he did. Thoughts and prayers for everyone; you will be missed. Love you Barry." - Scott Champion
• "I am beyond heartbroken, he was everything to so many people." - Sandy Caron

Calling hours will be Friday, Jan. 10 from 4-8 p.m. at the Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St. A Memorial Service celebrating Barry's life will be Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Somers Congregational Church, 599 Main St. A lunch reception will follow the service in the Foundation Room of the church.

Patch editor Chris Dehnel contributed to this story.