William J. Cassity, veteran jockey and valet, dies

William J. Cassity, who competed as a jockey from 1938-46 before working more than 60 years as a valet at Cahokia Downs and Fairmount Park in Illinois until his retirement last year, died Friday at age 87 in Collinsville, Ill., where funeral services were held Monday.

Cassity, a World War II veteran, was the grandfather of Justin Cassity, a longtime racing official and jockey agent on the Chicago circuit.

“He rode for trainer Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons and Calumet Farm and was the kind of man you don’t hear about any more,” said Justin Cassity.