Obituary of John Casey

Casey, John P. "Duke" Churchville: Predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Helen Casey; sister, Patsy Casey; brother, Jim Casey. John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra Casey; children, Shawn Casey, Colleen (Dave) Fodge, Heather (Chris) Tuttle, Eric (Kristine) Casey, Lisa (Dave Swimline) Casey, Rita (Joe) Pencille, Timothy V. Casey, Gregory (Cathleen) Casey; Swedish Exchange Students, Mikael Andersson, Lotta Löfwall; grandchildren, Shane & Erin Casey, Amanda & Zach Fodge, Chris & Josh Ladd, Jack & Clarice Casey, Steven Stefaniak, Lauren ,Matthew & Marlena Pencille and Connor Casey; sisters, Sr. Veronica Casey RSM., Margaret ( Hon. Joseph) Latham, Wheeze (Bill) Ells; brothers, Joe (Dolores) Casey, Tom (Nora) Casey, Dan (Sandy) Casey; sisters-in-law, Valarie Davidsen, & Sylvia (John) Currier; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. John's visitation will be on Thursday from 3-7 PM and Friday from 1-7 PM at St. Vincent DePaul Church, 11 North Main Street, Churchville, NY. John's funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM at St. Vincent DePaul Church. Interment St. Vincent Cemetery. Donations may be made to Mr. Casey Scholarship, c/o Westside Community Federal Credit Union, 125 East Buffalo Street, Churchville, NY 14428 in John's memory. John P. Casey Honorary Marshal 2014 St. Patrick's Day Parade Honoree Grand Marshal John Patrick Casey; born September 2nd 1939 in Hornell, NY one of nine Children, is an exemplary individual who through all his years, has always placed God, Country, Family and Community first! The father of 8 children and dedicated to his Loving wife; Sandra Lee Casey of 53 years, together they work behind the scenes to strengthen and nurture our community in a variety of ways. Many of the folks who know him often proclaim his praises; "He is a beacon and guiding light for all those who he has come into contact with" but he likes to be humble and remain behind the scenes. In the late 1950's he worked for the Erie Railroad for the accounting bureau, later to enlist in the United States Army and served from 1959-1962 where he was stationed in Germany. Returning home and marrying on May 19th 1962, to Sandra Lee Casey. He left the Railroad in 1964 to work for Rochester Telephone Company as a Computer programmer and analyst his career spanned through 1992. When he retired he soon found his second career at the Churchville Chili School District where he found his calling. In the Churchville Chili School system "Mr. Casey "as he is well known, was the school "watchman". A suitable title as the name Casey or ("Cathasaigh" in the Irish) and means the "watchful one". As his title suggests he is the School guardian who looked after and helped the struggling student and many individuals through a variety of life situations. He has chaperoned numerous school activities, giving students his undivided attention, and devotes personal time to attend school sports games and other activities, "He adds a whole new spirit to the school district and the community," He is always there with a helping hand a guiding light and words of wisdom to set the wandering youth straight upon the path of life. Over the years he was featured on the evening news program, Channel 13 "Bright spot" In 2000 Mr. Casey was an easy choice for the Town of Riga Citizen of the Year A local folk hero and mascot for the Churchville Chili Schools "Mr. Churchville" is revered by thousands of students over his twenty year "retired career" these adoring students have set up a Facebook fan page for him with currently over 4000 fans. Mr. Casey and the Churchville Chili School give a yearly scholarship to students who overcome great obstacles or difficult situations. Some other contributions to the community he served as a former Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Riga, a Charter Member of the Churchville Loyal Order of the Moose, Churchville Lions Club and a longstanding pillar at St. Vincent De Paul's Parish where he has donated heartfelt time assisting with the Parish Council, also an Usher, a Lector as well as a Sunday school teacher. A cherished member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, who continues to support a variety of groups and causes,. It is the little recognized people who throughout their lifetime, that make great contributions by "walking the path" as an example, or giving the guiding assistance in words of wisdom or lending an ear, and helping one comprehend a meaning and purpose, with our fellow traveler in this journey we call Life. Truly a great "American Citizen" These are just the facts that scratch the surface; he has always been a lighthouse in the storms of life for all of us... Mr. Casey has contributed to the Rochester community through his outreach to the youth of the City of Rochester Northwest Youth Association through the 1960's and early 1970's and the later to the youth of Churchville Chili, to his parish St Vincent De Paul's and to the Town of Riga, through the many years of his various service and contributions. From his service in the Military to his work on the Erie Railroad to his career with Rochester Telephone Company and the growth of the computer industry...As a teacher and a friend as a parent and a guide he is an example of the unsung hero in every American community. He is the precious commodity that we should all emulate and cherish. And in the spirit of my dad a closing Irish prayer… May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.