Joseph L. Casale

Joseph Lawrence "Joe" Casale passed away August 11, 2014 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. Born on February 21, 1919 in Lawrence, MA, he was the son of late Italian immigrants Peter and Jennie Casale. The youngest of five children, he is preceded by his brothers Anthony and Dominic, and sister Carmela Cullen. Joe is survived by his brother John Casale of Bristol, CT; his son Dr. Francis Casale and his wife Kimie of Covina, CA; his two grand children Naomi Casale and Grace Casale of Indianapolis; and many beloved nieces and nephews. After moving from his birthplace to Hartford CT, he graduated from Hartford High School in 1940 and went to trade school to further his education. For Joseph, meeting Elizabeth Torza was the most important event in his lifetime. After their first date to an original showing of "Gone with the Wind," he knew he had met the love of his life. The happy couple was married May 22, 1943, and in January of 1947 they welcomed their only child Francis Joseph Casale. They were married for just under 70 years before Elizabeth passed in October of 2012. Joseph progressed from working as a young boy shining shoes to becoming a model maker and engineer for Colt Patent Firearms. He then moved to working at Underwood (later known as Olivetti Typewriter Company) by day and taught at night at Hartford Regional Technical School (now named A.I. Prince Technical School). He also worked part time at Landerman's Hardware on Park Street. Joseph spent the majority of his career at Veeder-Root where he wore many hats, and was first and foremost a problem solver. He was responsible for the design and initial modeling of new products, costing out and supervising production, and at times performing important confidential work. He was highly respected and loved his job but most importantly loved his family and providing for them, everything he did was to better their lives. Joe was loyal, hardworking, honest and a man of faith. His passion for life was evident to all that knew him. Joe "never met a stranger" and was a constant source of joy. He was always willing to share a story or tell a joke to bring laughter to everyone. A philanthropist, there was not a cause that Joe didn't support or a situation that he met where we wasn't willing to lend a hand. Joe's focus in life was selfless, to make his family's life the best he could. He, his wife and son traveled several times to Russia in the 1970's to seek eye treatments for his son who is Deaf-Blind. In retirement he got a chance to really relax and enjoy the life he worked so diligently for. He was an active member of the West Hartford Regents as well as a member of a duckpin bowling league. He enjoyed golf and playing cards, mainly bridge, but most of all he loved being with people. Joe traveled throughout the States and at 94 moved to Indianapolis, Indiana after health complications to be closer to his granddaughters, leaving behind his beloved next-door neighbors and friends, Doug and Jan Larson. He remained in close contact with his nephew Arthur M. Rautio, son of Joe's best friend and brother in law the late Arthur A. Rautio, both of whom provided much love and support to Joe. Throughout his life his relationship with his entire family including in-laws was essential to who Joe was. A man with a big heart his love for people was nothing short of incredible and obvious. Joseph Casale will be missed by all those whose lives he's touched. Visitation will be at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home. 136 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT from 5p.m.-7p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2014. On Saturday, August 16, 2014 there will be a small service held at the burial site at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield at 10:30a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made at Silent Blessings.org. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.