John Francis Casey

Madison -- John Francis Casey, age 93, died on Saturday morning, February 27, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born into the Irish farming family of Bernard and Margaret (Coyle) Casey on February 20, 1917 in Pine Bluff, the seventh of ten children.

John attended Crestwood Elementary, and both West and Edgewood High Schools. He became a certified meat cutter and later went on to join the Merchant Marines, serving in World War II as a Chief Cook. John met his future wife, Juliette Marie Roy, a Wave also serving in the war, at a serviceman's dance in New York City. He married her, the love of his life, on March 24, 1945 in Boston, Massachusetts and settled in Wisconsin where they began their family.

Most of John's career was in the clothing business. He was a proud salesman, skilled in the many facets of the trade that are lost today. He worked at several stores including, O & V's on the Square, Kossechecks in Michigan, his own store, Casey's Boys Shop in Watertown, and Kuppenheimer in Madison, from which he received national salesman awards. John worked well into his 80's!

John's faith and family were his greatest devotions. Many adjectives describe this kind and personable gentleman: humble, patient, caring, and hardworking, with a charming sense of humor. He had a deep and simple trust in God that everything would always work out, and a dedication to daily prayer and the Rosary. His remarkable memory served him to the end. John loved sports and music, especially from the Big Band era. We will remember his ready smile and solid handshakes, which was often preceded by the words ""put it in the ol' vice!""

This loving father and grandfather is survived by his children, Timothy, Rodney (Mary), Colleen (Kenneth) Roeder, Beverly Massey and Nancy Casey; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Catherine (Chuck) Owens and Jeanette (Francis) McGiverin; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Julie; four brothers, LeRoy, William, Cletus and Paul; and three sisters, Mary Egan, Martha Laughlin and Dorothy Jones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. (this is the correct time) on Friday, March 5, 2010 at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, with Msgr. Michael L. Burke officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank all of Dad's caregivers, and those who brightened his days. He was a good man. We will miss him so much.