James J. Cassell, 68, of Haverhill, passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, at his residence after a battle with cancer.
Cassell was born, Dec. 11, 1946, the only son of the late, Luke James, and Josephine R. (Ravgiala) Cassell. He attended Haverhill public schools and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, class of 1964. He attended Merrimack College and later received his Degree from Northeastern University. A Veteran he proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves 398th Finance Unit and was honorably discharged.
Cassell began his career as a draftsman at the former Western Electric, North Andover. He then became licensed as a real estate broker and appraiser, and founded Cassell Real Estate Services in 1971. He thoroughly enjoyed working in this field as he would work long hours and also teach and train others.
A devoted father as his children were growing, he became involved in their interests. He coached little league baseball, basketball and he cherished family vacations to Cape Cod, Nantucket and North Conway. One of his favorite trips was to Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., as he was also an Elvis Presley fan. He enjoyed his annual offshore fishing trip and an occasional round of golf. He was a devoted Red Sox and Patriots fan and was a season ticket holder of both for many years. He enjoyed attending several games over the years with his two sons, son-in-law and close friends including the World Series and Superbowl. He also attended several Celtics games over the years including Championship games.
He was extremely proud of his Italian heritage. He was proud to be a part of the Italian Brotherhood yearly meeting and organization which he attended for the past 40 years. This past year he received the Ronaldo Selvaggio Appreciation Award for his commitment and dedication to the event.
He leaves his beloved wife of 45 years, Linda Ann (Goldoni) Cassell, two sons; James L. Cassell and his wife, Vanessa, of Salisbury, and his future grandson, James Vincent, Michael I. Cassell and his girlfriend, Tanya Cordeiro, of Haverhill, a daughter, Laureen P. Laffey and her husband, Joseph, of Haverhill, and two grandchildren, Joey and Linda Laffey. His grandchildren adored their “Pa Jimmy.” He also leaves his mother-in-law Lena Goldoni, of Bradford, an Uncle Les Brown, of Bradford, Aunts Connie Brown, of Bradford and Ellie Goldoni, of Bradford and several cousins and many dear friends.
His family would like to thank the entire staff of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, especially Dr. Philip Saylor, for help in his incredible fight over the past 10 years .
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m., in St. James Church, Winter St. Haverhill. Burial will follow at St. Patricks Cemetery, North Broadway, Haverhill. Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Wednesday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 5 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114, or St. James Parish, 6 Cottage St. Haverhill, MA 01830.