Monsignor John Thomas Cassidy dies at 83

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

Msgr. Cassidy was born May 7, 1940, in Long Branch, New Jersey. 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, New Hampshire.

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 for Msgr. Cassidy will be held at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart in Pensacola on Tuesday, May 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  Morning Prayer will be prayed at 9:30 a.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by the Most Reverend William A. Wack, CSC as the principal celebrant along with the priests of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.  Following Mass will be a reception in the Parish Hall. 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.