West Orange Will Celebrate A Native Son, David Cassidy, Today & Tomorrow
David Cassidy
The town of West Orange in Essex County will honor one of its Native Sons, David Cassidy, today and tomorrow. Cassidy died of liver failure in 2017 at the age of 67. He first sang at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Orange, where he was raised by his grandparents. A marker will be installed at Colgate Park where he once played Little League baseball. Elm Street will now be known as David Cassidy Way.
The singer was one of the leading teen idols of the 1970s. He was Keith on The Partridge Family from 1970 to 1974, after which he became a successful singer with a #1 to his credit (“I Think I Love You”). West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney said, “these prestigious recognitions will forever memorialize David Cassidy’s dynamic legacy and his popular talent…”
His children, Beau and Katie, will be in attendance. The event is being coordinated by the Downtown West Orange Alliance, the West Orange Arts Council and event planners Karen Ranieri and Barb Collentine.
Today
10 a.m. Dedication ceremony at Colgate Park, Cherry Street and Franklin Avenues.
5:30 p.m. Highlawn Gala Dinner featuring Johnny Ray Miller, author of When We’re Singin’: The Partridge Family and Their Music.
Tomorrow
8:30 a.m. bus tour of sites significant to Cassidy’s childhood, plus a tour of the Thomas Edison laboratory complex.
1:15 p.m. Elks Lodge Slideshow and question-and-answer session with photographer Henry Diltz
5:00 p.m. ’70s Dance Party, Franklin Street (in front of Washington Elementary School)