HAMMONTON—Evelyn Cassidy (nee D’Annolfo) of Hammonton, a beloved retired Hammonton Police Department Crossing Guard who was deeply connected to her family, friends, neighbors and community died on January 15 at AtlantiCare in Galloway Twp. Cassidy was 74.
She was born in Philadelphia and lived in Hammonton for more than 45 years.
Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel remembered her many years of service to Hammonton as a crossing guard.
“Mrs. Cassidy has always been a member of the police department and our family in the aspect that she was a crossing guard, which is under the auspices of the police department. But also, due to her son Lt. Ed Slimm, who was an officer and is now a lieutenant in the police department, Evelyn was always involved in things we did and supported the police department’s activities and endeavors. She was involved with the Hammonton Police Department many years after she retired and is continuing her involvement with the generous donation in her memory by her family and friends to the department in lieu of flowers. She was always everybody’s HPD mom, who always had words of wisdom, or something to make you laugh,” Friel said.
Friel said Cassidy took her crossing guard position seriously, but with a tremendous amount of affection for the children she crossed.
“Her dedication and genuine care of the children of the community was evident to everyone who came across her post. Everyone knew her, and they knew her as ‘Evelyn’ or ‘Mrs. Cassidy’—they knew her personally. They would bring her Christmas presents. She was that kind of person,” Friel said.
Vince Passalaqua said he and his wife Marie Passalaqua were longtime neighbors of Cassidy. Passalaqua has also served as a crossing guard for the Hammonton Police Department for the past nine years. Both Passalaquas recalled Cassidy as an outstanding neighbor.
“She was so outgoing and friendly. She was the type of person who would do anything for anybody. She was always so concerned about anybody in the neighborhood and would do anything for anybody in the neighborhood. I will always remember her for her sincerity and openness. She would always stop and talk to you and had that great laugh. She was a wonderful person. When you know someone for that long, a piece of your history goes with them. It really hit home to us,” Vince Passalaqua said.
Marie Passalaqua also spoke about Cassidy’s concern for her neighbors.
“She always kept an eye on us from the corner of her porch. She’d always wave and talk with us,” Marie Passalaqua said.
According to her obituary, Cassidy was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, and a past member of the Sunshine Foundation. She enjoyed bingo, painting ceramics, the casino, socializing with friends and family, and her grandchildren’s sports.
“She will always be remembered for her friendly smile and contagious, hearty laugh. She was a devoted wife, a loving mom, and a cherished friend. She will be remembered as an incredibly selfless person who was kind to everyone. We love you mom,” Cassidy’s obituary said.
Cassidy is predeceased by her parents Louis and Frances D’Annolfo, husband Raymond Cassidy, brothers, Louis and William D’Annolfo, and step-daughter Belinda.
She is survived by her two sons, Edward Slimm (Linda), Joseph Cassidy (Angela), and four step-daughters, Shelley, Darcy, Melanie, and Joelle. Her brother, David D’Annolfo, sisters, Deanna Spoto, and Marilyn Corradetti. Loving grandmother of Edward Slimm, Braeden and Lyla Cassidy, and Eric and Sean Henley, Cody and Tyler.
Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing Wednesday, January 20, 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Marinella Funeral Home, 102 N. Third St. Hammonton with a service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the obituary asked donations be sent to the Hammonton Police Department 100 Central Ave. Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements were by the Marinella Funeral Home Hammonton. To share condolences, please visit marinellafuneralhome.com.