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Rev. Msgr. John Thomas Cassidy

Deceased: 2023-05-23

Diocese: PENSACOLA-TALLAHASSEE

CSM Graduation Year: 1982

Monsignor John Thomas Cassidy, 83, retired priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, died the afternoon of Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at The Haven of Our Lady of Peace in Pensacola.

Msgr. Cassidy was born May 7, 1940, in Long Branch, NJ. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in history from the University of New Hampshire, a M.Div. from The Pontifical College Josephinum, and a master’s in education (educational administration) from the University of West Florida. He served his country honorably in the US Air Force as an Airman during Vietnam. He also taught history at Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Msgr. Cassidy was ordained to the priesthood on December 15, 1979, by Bishop Rene H. Gracida at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Portsmouth, NH.

Msgr. Cassidy served in various pastoral assignments in Pensacola that included associate pastor at St. Paul and Little Flower and pastor of St. Thomas More where he served 29 years until his retirement in 2013. In addition to his parish assignments, Msgr. Cassidy served on commissions, boards, and committees. He faithfully served the people of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee for 44 years. Survivors include his sister, Helen Suzanne “Sue” Mendelsohn of Seattle, WA; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, parishioners, parish staff, deacons, and brother priests who he came to know and work with over his years in ministry.

Visitation will be held 9:00am until The Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00am Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart, Pensacola, FL, with the Most Reverend William A. Wack, CSC as the principal celebrant along with the priests of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Morning Prayer will be prayed at 9:30am prior to Mass. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall following Mass. Interment will be held 10:00am Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery, Portsmouth, NH, with Fr. Dennis O’Brien officiating.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.