Book lover and former Greenwich resident Warren Cassell, former owner of Just Books in Greenwich, died of heart failure Feb. 25. He was 80.
Cassell devoted most of his life to literature and helping customers find that perfect book. Cassell grew up in New York City and studied at New York University. He began his career teaching English and social studies at New Lincoln School in Manhattan.
After working as a teacher in Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, N.Y., Cassell bought Just Books in 1978. He brought a variety of authors such as journalist Pete Hamill and former President George H.W. Bush to town for author breakfasts and store events. In 2002, Cassell sold the store to Jenny Lawton, who opened Just Books Too in Old Greenwich. The central Greenwich store closed in 2005.
After retiring, Cassell and his wife, Melissa, moved to Portland, Ore., to be closer to his children. He remained active and worked part time at a bookstore called Broadway Books. Cassell recently became involved with Operation Paperback, an organization that sends paperback books to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Cassell is survived by his wife, Melissa; and children, Santha Cassell, Paul Cassell and Tobias Cassell.
Did you know Warren Cassell? What memories do you have of shopping at Just Books? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook!
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