Leo P. Casey, Jr.

obituary

Casey, Leo Padraic, Jr.- Age 88 years, died peacefully on June 24, 2020 at his home in North Reading, MA in the loving care of his family.

Leo was born July 23, 1931 in Chelsea, MA to Mildred and Leo P. Casey. Leo and his siblings– Brian, Sheila, Donal and Carol–grew up in a household that appreciated both education and fun–literature and stickball, philosophy and touch football.

After graduating from Chelsea High School, Leo attended Boston College and graduated with a degree in Sociology.

Leo proudly served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955. After his time in the army, Leo obtained a Master’s Degree and advanced graduate certificate from Boston University in Counseling.

Leo’s first position in education was in Norwalk, CT as a middle school teacher, the start of a 37 year career in teaching and guidance. Leo spent many of these years as a guidance counselor in Melrose, MA Junior and Senior High School. Leo was a born listener and focused his energies on one student at a time. His non-judgmental presence helped many students at challenging times in their lives.

Early in his career Leo met and married Anne Hurley. The two were married on June 2, 1956 at St. Rose Church in Chelsea.

Leo always considered his greatest accomplishment to be his marriage of 64 years to Anne and his loving relationship with his 5 children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Leo believed strongly that the compassionate care of children was the key to a peaceful life, and every baby that came through Leo’s life was graced by his gentle and deep love.

Leo enjoyed his many years of golf with close friends, and especially his weekly outing with his special friend Jimmy Morse. Leo thought deeply about social issues and enjoyed lively discussions with colleagues. He treasured his time with family at the beach and around the pool and he had a long-term and consistent love for Boston sports teams.

 Leo was predeceased by siblings Brian, Sheila, Donal and Carol. Leo is lovingly remembered by his wife Anne, his daughter Kathy DiTroia and her husband Mike of North Andover, MA, his daughter Maureen Henderson and her husband Steve of Hampton, NH, his daughter Diane Shen and her husband Andy of Andover, MA, his daughter Paula Sandusky and her husband John of Stony Point, NY and his son Mike Casey and his wife Anne Marie of Newmarket, NH.

Leo was loving Papa to his grandchildren Kevin, Dan, Casey, Kristen, Marisa, Nikki, Danielle, Rosie, Eric, Erin, Clint and Kelly, and to his great-granddaughter Alice.

Funeral services will be private and are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital at www.stjude.org

26 thoughts on “Leo P. Casey, Jr.”

  3. Kathy and Family, I was sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a great dad and I remember fondly the times we spent at your house on Anthony Rd in middle school. Although we’ve all drifted in different directions, life in NR in those days was good. I know you’ll carry many wonderful memories of your Dad, that will keep him forever close in your heart. Fondly, Julie (Greene) Wood

  4. Sorry for the loss. Another loss from the Anthony/Peter Rd neighborhood of my childhood

  5. My sincerest condolences to the Casey family. My prayers, and thought are with you during this difficult time.

  6. Your dear Leo was such a kind and gentle soul. I have such fond childhood memories of his quiet, patient smile and twinkling eyes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  7. Deepest condolences to all you Casey’s. I hope you find comfort in your shared memories of that sweet man.

  8. So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Casey.I have The most wonderful memories sitting at the Casey’s dinner table on Peter Road. I remember once when I misplaced my shoes, Mr Casey, (who was sitting in his usual chair) pointed down and said, “Barb, are these they?” I thought for sure his grammar must have been jumbled…I was wrong. That was my first (but not my last) grammar lesson from him. I think of him EVERY time I use that phrase.

    He was a gentle and kind soul. My sincerest condolences to the entire Casey family. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

  10. So sorry to hear of this, such a nice man. My condolences to all the Casey family

  11. What a gentleman. The kind you aspire to emulate. His goodness lives on in his children and grandchildren. God bless you all and God rest his soul.

  13. Oh, so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. He & Anne were next-door neighbors for more than 40 years! Our children grew up together and there couldn’t have been a kinder, more gentle “Dad” to all the children. His eyes sparkled when they played in his yard. To Anne, and all the children, our most sincere sympathy. We shall all miss him very much.

  15. My sincere sympathy to Maureen and the entire Casey family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  16. My sympathies to the Casey Family, so many wonderful memories, Leo was the nicest man, and his love for his family was like no other, praying for comfort for all of you, love and miss you all …… Much love from Co ….

  17. A lovely, thoughtful man–my son’s beloved father-in-law will be sadly missed but happily remembered.

  18. My condolences to Maureen and the Casey family. I am sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  20. Diane and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. This notice was beautifully written. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. May your loving memories sustain you always.
    Annie Gleason Schnier

  21. My deepest sympathies to Anne and family. I was fortunate to work for many years with Leo in Melrose at the junior high/middle school level.
    Leo was a supportive colleague who mentored me when I became a counselor. Each student and colleague received his full attention whenever Leo spoke with them. His compassion and concern for students was unmatched.
    I missed Leo greatly when he retired before me.
    May Leo’s memory be a blessing to all.
    Sheila Striar

    1. Thank you, Sheila. Leo was so fond of you and Lorraine. His last few years were hard but he plugged on. Do you have any communication with Lorraine? I tried the number in Stoneham but it is out of service.

  22. Anne and family, So sorry for your loss. Will remember Leo in my prayers.
    Mary Collins

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