William Joseph Cassidy

Mr. William J. Cassidy

William Joseph Cassidy, 67, of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully and concluded a life well lived on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. 

Born on September 16, 1956, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, William was a quintessential (and very proud) New Englander. He is lovingly known by many nicknames from his family and close friends: “Billy,” “Billy Boy,” “Sonny” and “Harry.” 

Billy grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts, where as a child you would find him playing hockey or football – and often cutting class to spend time with his friends. 

At 14, he met the love of his life, Ann, from down the street. She instantly fell in love with his hearty laugh, larger-than-life personality, and big heart. They would spend the next ~50 years building a beautiful life together and raising their daughter. 

Billy will be remembered as a devoted husband, beloved brother and uncle, and reliable friend, but his best role was Proud Papa to his daughter, Ashley, who he lovingly called “Kiddie Kid” and “Sweetie Pops.” Billy connected with Ashley through their shared love of fishing, camping and football. He taught her to love nature, and to just laugh and be thankful. 

Billy loved spending time and sharing laughs with his wife and daughter – “his girls” – whether it was when Ashley was visiting their home in New Hampshire, family vacations, or simply over text messages and phone calls.

Billy spent his entire career at Raytheon, where he was a mechanical engineer technician for nearly 4 decades. Billy was a loyal and dependable engineer who excelled at his job, and he received many accolades throughout his career for his outstanding technical contributions. During his tenure, he traveled to many places in the U.S. and abroad, and he developed many everlasting friendships. He retired at age 60 in 2017, and continued to meet with his “Raytheon family,” regularly, who he loved dearly – whether it was for pizza and beers at Santarpio's or at his best friend Greg’s camp. 

Outside of Billy’s adoration for his family and friends, he loved camping trips in his beloved RV; boating on Lake Winnipesaukee; Boston sports; deep sea fishing; prime rib from The Texas Roadhouse; watching the “spring birds” in his yard; his 80-inch TV and Budweiser. Not necessarily in that order. 

Billy was a master crafts man and loved house projects. He was also great at one-liners, cooking a prime rib roast and making everyone feel appreciated. 

His family and friends will miss his boisterous and engaging personality, sharp wit and silliness; but most of all, his loving and caring heart as a husband, father, brother, uncle, and loyal and true friend to many.

Billy’s unforgettable legacy will live on forever through his wife, Annalee Taylor-Cassidy, and his daughter, Ashley Cassidy. He is further survived by four siblings Lynda Last (Cassidy); James Cassidy; Marian Cassidy; Marge Gilbertson (Cassidy); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Cassidy (Dunphey); his beloved brother, Jack Cassidy; and other family members and friends who we know were there to welcome him at Heaven’s gate. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., followed by a service from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH, 03104.

In lieu of flowers, Billy would want you to drink a beer, share a laugh with your loved ones, and just live well. 

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