Kevin J. Cassidy, 71

Kevin J. Cassidy, 71, of Hendersonville died on Dec. 27, 2013.

Originally of Brooklyn, N.Y., he was formerly of Long Island, N.Y., Orlando, Fla., Norwood, Mass., and Franconia, N.H.
He was a veteran of the US Air Force and retiree of the US Postal Service. Mr. Cassidy enjoyed all types of rock-and-roll music, especially doo-wop and R&B from the 1950's. He was especially gifted with animals, not only training the family dogs but also training wild birds, squirrels, and chipmunks to alight or sit in his lap and eat from his hand. He was a die-hard fan of the NY Rangers and NE Patriots and, in childhood, the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Mr. Cassidy is survived by his wife Lydia; daughter Kelly and son-in-law Armi; son Kevin and daughter-in-law Debbie; brother Billy and sister-in-law Lawayne; nephews Robert and Billy; nieces Lisa and Julie; and grandchildren Duvessa, Kevin, and Jessica.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Loretta; stepdad Bill; brother Denny; and nephew Brian.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in the Chapel of Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with burial following the service. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Shuler Funeral Home.

Flowers may be sent to Shuler Funeral Home or donations made to the Salvation Army, PO Box 2387, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.