Joel W. Cassidy

joel cassidy

April 24, 1950 ~ October 8, 2024

Born in: Danvers, Massachusetts
Resided in: Salem, Massachusetts

Joel W. Cassidy, 74, of Salem, lost his long courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday October 8, 2024. He was home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Lois R. Devine.

Born in Danvers on April 24, 1950, Joel was the son of Joan (Ruest) Cassidy of Bartlett, NH and the late Arthur Cassidy. He was raised and educated in Danvers and was a 1968 graduate of Danvers High School.

Immediately after High School, Joel enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served in the Vietnam War on the Cutter Chase. He was proud of his service to his country and pleased that his daughter and son-in-law also served in the Coast Guard.

Following his time in the military, he was employed as a machinist for several years before working as a driver for the Salem Trolley. Often recognized by his iconic beard, his years with the trolley made him a predominant staple in downtown Salem. He thoroughly enjoyed learning about and sharing his knowledge of local history. He remained with the Salem Trolley until the time of his retirement.

Joel was dedicated to his Wiccan faith, enjoyed boating, was an avid Boston sports fan, and was a devoted and cherished grandfather. An animal lover, he had four basset hounds over the years, and could be regularly seen walking Charlie, aka Chuck, around Salem Willows and Winter Island.

Joel was known for his compassion toward others and was quick to help friends or strangers as they fell on hard times in life. He will be dearly missed.

In addition to his mother, he leaves his daughter, Jill Bittner and her husband Daniel, two grandchildren, Ella and Foster Bittner, and a sister, Joan Woods, all of Danvers, a nephew, Robert Woods of Quincy, and a host of friends.

His Funeral Service will be Friday, October 18, 2024 at 11:00AM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-10:45AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joel’s memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970. Guestbook at www.LyonsFuneral.com.

Services

Funeral Service: Friday, October 18, 2024 11:00 am

C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors
28 Elm St.
Danvers, MA 01923

(978) 777-7900
lyonsfuneral.com

Visitation: Friday, October 18, 2024 10:00 am - 10:45 am

C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors
28 Elm St.
Danvers, MA 01923

(978) 777-7900
lyonsfuneral.com

Coast Guard Veteran

View current weather.

Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Joel W. Cassidy 's name.

Northeast Animal Shelter

347 Highland Ave.

Salem,

MA

01960

978.745.9888

northeastanimalshelter.org

Tribute Video

Memories Timeline

Photo Gallery

Guestbook

  1. Joel will certainly be missed. He was a great neighbor and friend , always willing to lend a hand when needed or just to have a chat . Things will never be the same around here without him. My condolences to all his family and friends. The window boxes still look great Joel , RIP.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle