OBITUARIES - April 2020

April 1, 2020

Robert R. Casey

Bob Casey, 83, of Greenacres, FL / Johnston, RI, died on April 5.

Casey was well-known in both Rhode Island and Palm Beach, Florida through playing, coaching and sitting on the boards of many softball organizations, with his latest roles being Field Director and Executive Board Member of the Palm Beach Senior Softball Association (PBSSA).

His teams have won World titles, State titles, and many championships, including a Gold Medal in the Senior Olympics.

“Bob was deeply involved with Men’s softball for many years in Johnston,” said Emilio Notarantonio, Rhode Island/Cape Cod Director in the SSUSA Clubs and Leagues Program. 

“He was a sponsor and player/manager on several teams including The RI Colts Wanskuck, Pout 56, and Taylor Aviary."

Clif W. Nydhal

Clif Nydhal, 67, of Oakdale, Calif., died on April 12.

Nydal played the 2019 season with Old Birds 65 at the LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest Championships and Rock ‘N Reno Challenge Cup.

He previously played with MTC/Dudley 60s, War Eagles 60, Mountain Men 55, Modesto O’s 55, California Black Hawks 55, and Stanislaus Sluggers 50.

Along with playing, Nydhal was also an umpire with SSUSA.

“Clif was a good friend,” said Kurt Mahaney, manager of MTC/Dudley. “I saw him the morning before he passed, he was in good health. It was an unexpected death. Clif was always there when I needed help in getting things together like uniforms, bats etc. Clif assisted me in coaching our team. He will be dearly missed. Clif played a lot of years in SSUSA and umpired many of SSUSA events. Clif was well known in the softball community and a very good man.”

"Clif umpired a number of years for SSUSA and mostly in Northern California," said Tom Bussey, SSUSA Deputy Umpire-In-Chief (UIC). "He worked very hard at umpiring and was well respected because he knew the game and a majority of the players the highest level. I had talked with Cliff earlier that day on Saturday. He seemed to to be very upbeat and looking forward to the opening of season. Said he felt good."

"I'm still in shock," said David Lee, a teammate and fellow umpire. "Me and Clif played together on two teams, California Blackhawks and Modesto O's, where we won a total of five major tournaments including the Tournament of Champions in Florida in 2010. Clif was a fierce competitor on the field. Clif was not only my teammate and friend, he was family. He will be missed by me and the rest of his softball family."

“I’ve known and played against Clif for many years in Northern California and got to know him even better as a SSUSA umpire,” said SSUSA’s CEO Terry Hennessy.  “Clif was always upbeat and positive, an excellent player and umpire.  We will miss him.”