REV. JAMES M. CASSIDY, age 94, beloved son of the late Florence (nee Knittle) and Charles Cassidy; brother of the late John (Eunice), C. Richard (Joan) and Rosemary Fournier (Roger); cherished uncle and dear friend of many. U.S. Army veteran. Passed away March 24, 2024.
Fr. Cassidy was educated at St. Rose Elementary Grade School, Lakewood, West Technical High School, Cleveland, Ohio State University, Columbus, Borromeo Seminary, Wickliffe, and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland. On May 20, 1961 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Bishop Floyd L. Begin ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Fr. Cassidy’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of Annunciation, Akron. On June 9, 1966 he was transferred to Holy Name, Cleveland to serve as Parochial Vicar. On September 30, 1969, Fr. Cassidy was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Adalbert, Berea. Fr. Cassidy was assigned Parochial Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi, Gates Mills on June 17, 1970. On November 23, 1973 he was transferred to St. Mary, Lorain to serve as Parochial Vicar. Fr. Cassidy was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph, Amherst on June 27, 1979. From February 8, 1980 until August 31, 2010 he served as Pastor of St. Edward, Ashland. In addition to this assignment, on December 9, 1981, Fr. Cassidy was appointed Moderator of the Ashland/Wayne/Medina Regional Council, NCCW. Fr. Cassidy was granted retirement on August 31, 2010. Fr. Cassidy will be remembered for his devotion to Archbishop Fulton Sheen, great smile, dedication to the people entrusted to his care and his admiration and love of the Blessed Mother. He will be greatly missed.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Regina Health Center Chapel, 5232 Broadview Rd., Richfield, OH 44286 at 11:00 am. Bishop Roger Gries was the main celebrant and Father Mike Franz was the homilist. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Valley City.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Borromeo Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092.
On behalf of the St. Edward Catholic Church we thank him for his 30 years of dedication to the parish. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord….and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen!
Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com or on the St. Edward Catholic Church facebook page.
Obituary provided by Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com