Born March 5, 1927, John Edward Cassidy, better known as Jack, grew up in Richmond Hill, New York. He was the youngest child of Willie and Lottie Cassidy. His father was well respected as an engineer with the Long Island Railroad.

At the tender age of fifteen, Jack quit school to pursue his acting career. In 1943, he appeared in his first Broadway show, cast in the chorus of "Something For The Boys". By the 1950s and 60s, Jack's incredible voice was featured in at least 13 cast recordings of Broadway shows. Jack also proved enormously popular on the small screen, appearing in The Andersonville Trial, Columbo, and June Moon, as well as many dramatic and comedic programs of the day. In 1964, his career hit a high note when he received a Tony Award for "Featured Actor In A Musical", acknowledging his role of Steven Kodaly in the Broadway production of She Loves Me.

Jack Cassidy was married to actress Evelyn Ward from 1948 to 1956. Their son, David Bruce Cassidy, became a worldwide phenomenon in the 1970's as an actor and singer who displays an impressive fan base to this day. In 1956 Jack married world-renowned actress Shirley Jones. They have three sons, Shaun Paul, Patrick William, and Ryan John, each of whom have successfully established their own careers in the entertainment industry.

Jack Cassidy passed away tragically in a fire in his West Hollywood home on December 12, 1976.

• Noteworthy People of Richmond Hill
• Historic Places of Richmond Hill
• Hollywood Comes to Richmond Hill