David Cassidy Will Be Honored At Events In West Orange – With Special Guests

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Downtown West Orange Alliance. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

One of West Orange, New Jersey's most famous former residents is getting honored in a big way. Emmy & Grammy nominated star of “The Partridge Family,” David Cassidy is being celebrated with a two-day event in West Orange, from July 30 to July 31, 2025.

The centerpiece of the activities will be the installation of a historical marker in Cassidy’s honor at Colgate Park, where he played Little League baseball as a young child. In addition, the Township will co-name Elm Street, where David resided with his grandparents, “David Cassidy Way.” The dedication will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30 at Colgate Park, Cherry Street and Franklin Avenue in West Orange, NJ. The public is invited to attend.

Special guests in attendance at the dedication will be David Cassidy’s daughter, Katie Cassidy, star of “Gossip Girl” and “Supernatural,” and his son, songwriter Beau Cassidy.

“These prestigious recognitions will forever memorialize David Cassidy’s dynamic legacy and his popular talent, which at one point in his career garnered a fan club that surpassed that of Elvis and The Beatles,” said West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney.

Events are being coordinated by the Township of West Orange, the Downtown West Orange Alliance, and life-long David Cassidy fans Karen Ranieri of New York and New Jersey native Barb Collentine. Ranieri and Collentine spearheaded efforts to raise money from fans around the world for the historical marker that will honor Cassidy.

“This started as an idea in 2018, when we planned a Tribute Walk to honor his birthday after he passed away,” says Karen Ranieri, one of the event organizers, “And now, we have people coming from all over the country - and even the world!” Fellow organizer Barb Collentine added, “It has taken about two years of planning and fundraising to create something that will be both fun and respectful to his family and colleagues. We feel we have accomplished that as David’s two children will be in attendance. It’s just been so exciting watching this grow and come together.”

Long before he rose to fame playing Keith Partridge on the hit TV series “The Partridge Family,” David Cassidy, who passed away at the age of 67 in 2017, lived a quiet, suburban life in West Orange, where his mother grew up. From the age of 5 to 11, he lived with his grandparents, played Little League baseball, and got an early taste of performing while singing in the choir at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Cassidy is one of many illustrious residents who have called West Orange home, including Thomas Edison, four New Jersey governors, astronauts Scott and Senator Mark Kelly, and EGOT award winner, Whoopi Goldberg.

In addition to the dedication ceremonies, there are several other events being held throughout this two-day celebration that pay tribute to Cassidy, as well as the music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s:

David Cassidy Gala

Wednesday, July 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Ms. Ranieri and Ms. Collentine, and the members of the David Cassidy West Orange Historical Marker team are hosting a gala event at The Highlawn in West Orange. As they enjoy the restaurant’s spectacular views of New York City and award-winning food, guests will gather to share memories of their favorite teen idol and see special video messages from celebrities and other significant people in Cassidy’s life. In addition, pop culture historian Johnny Ray Miller will give an in-depth discussion and analysis of the Partridge Family and their music. 5:30 – 10:30 pm, The Highlawn, 1 Crest Drive, West Orange, NJ. Tickets are $150 and can be reserved by contacting davidcassidytributewalk@gmail.com.

Q&A with Legendary Music Photographer Henry Diltz

Thursday, July 31 at 1:15 p.m.

Legendary photographer Henry Diltz will give a slideshow and Q&A about his storied career capturing rock legends like Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, and Jerry Garcia, as well as shooting album covers like The Doors’ “Morrison Hotel.” The official photographer of Woodstock and the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, Diltz will share his famous images and experiences documenting David Cassidy and some of the most iconic moments in musical history. He will also offer exclusive discounts on several prints from his vast archive. This event will begin at 1:15 p.m. at the West Orange Elks Club (424 Main Street, West Orange, NJ). Tickets are $15 or FREE for West Orange Public Library cardholders. Tickets must be reserved in advance by emailing davidcassidytributewalk@gmail.com.

David Cassidy “I’m on My Way Back Home” Bus Tour

Thursday, July 31 starting at 8:30 a.m.

Participants will be taken on a tour of sites significant to David’s childhood in West Orange. Additionally, the tour will also include a private, personalized tour of the Thomas Edison Museum. Tickets are $23 and must be reserved in advance by emailing davidcassidytributewalk@gmail.com.

Downtown Thursdays David Cassidy Historical Marker 70s Dance Party

Thursday, July 31, 5-8 p.m.

Join Downtown Thursdays David Cassidy Historical Marker 70s Dance Party. The Downtown West Orange Alliance invites you to dress in your retro best and go back in time for a block party that celebrates all things 70s. We’ll be dancing in the streets with a DJ, beer and wine garden, food trucks, vendors, and more. Photographer Henry Diltz will be in attendance for a meet and greet, as well as offering exclusive discounts on prints from his archive. Pop culture historian Johnny Ray Miller will be on hand to autograph his books, and the “I Think I Love You Animal Foundation,” set up in David Cassidy’s memory, will have a fundraising booth set up. This event will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Franklin Street (just in front of Washington Elementary School, 289 Main Street), in West Orange, NJ. This event is FREE and open to all.

For more information on Downtown West Orange, visit the Downtown West Orange Alliance website or call 973-325-4109.

Contact Karen Ranieri and Barb Collentine at davidcassidytributewalk@gmail.com and/or follow them on Facebook at the David Cassidy West Orange Historical Marker page for more information.

For more information about West Orange, NJ, visit the website or call 973-325-4100.

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