Sergeant Michael P. Cassidy, 52, of New Bedford passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2021, surrounded by his family at St. Luke’s Hospital due to Covid-19. He was the loving husband of Deborah A. (Fontaine) Cassidy. They would have celebrated 21 years of marriage May 13, 2021.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of Stephen and Barbara (Cairns) Cassidy of Fairhaven.
Michael graduated in 1986 from Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Operation Desert Storm.
In 1994 Michael joined the New Bedford Police Department. He wore his badge proudly. Throughout his career he served in uniform patrol, narcotics, criminal investigation, and firearms. Sgt. Cassidy received three life-saving awards, many citations and accreditations for his military and police service from the city, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States Senate, and was a recipient of the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award. Sgt. Cassidy also taught use of force/defensive tactics, as well as being a firearms and CPR instructor.
Michael taught Kenpo Karate for many years and was a 5th degree black belt. He loved spending time with his family and their yearly trips to New Hampshire. He was an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Patriots and the Bruins. He loved music and listened to a wide range of genres.
In addition to his wife Deborah, he is survived by his daughter, MacKenzie Cassidy of New Bedford; his parents, Stephen and Barbara Cassidy of Fairhaven; his brothers, Stephen J. Cassidy and wife Natalie of Mattapoisett, and Christopher Cassidy and wife Jacquie of Fairhaven; his sister, Maureen Missey and husband Ray of Fairfield, Ohio; his nieces and nephews, Stevie and Meghan Cassidy, Joshua and Brittany Cassidy, Mark and Mitch Aguiar, Nathan and Marissa Elias; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and great nieces and nephews.
Michael was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Stephen and Stephanie Cassidy and his maternal grandparents, Martin P. and Emily Cairns.
His visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021 from 3-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 230 Bonney St., New Bedford. Seating will be limited due to current gathering restrictions, but the Mass will be livestreamed on Debbie Cassidy’s Facebook page. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Michael’s passions: The Police Unity Tour, which helps fallen officer’s families. Contributions can be made to: New Bedford Union Cycling Team, P.O. Box 51534, New Bedford, MA 02745. The family would also like to thank the surgical ICU nurses as well as Dr. Raphael, Dr. Molis, and Dr. Ondrasik at St. Luke’s Hospital for their assistance and compassion during this very difficult time. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Please be advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask and practice social distancing. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited so there could be wait times outside the funeral home. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.