After 91 years of working hard and playing just as hard, Joseph W. Casey left this earth on January 29, 2025, to join his wife, Helen, of 61 years to be with Jesus in heaven. His last few years he described his life as a game of ping pong and he was sick of being the ball—bounced between hospital, nursing home and his home many times. He did have a strong desire to live, though and fought as long as his heart and kidneys let him.

He was born to Clifford and Bertha Casey in Lawrence, MA on March 14, 1933. Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his siblings, Richard, Joseph and Hilda. He leaves one beloved sister, Shirley Hughes and her husband, Stanley. He also leaves his only child, Deborah Washington and her husband, George; granddaughter, Tiffany Moyer-Washington and spouse, Jen; grandson, Benjamin Washington and spouse, Jess. He had seven great grandchildren: Jeremiah, Kayden, Arielle, Arianna, Silas, Zion and Elijah (middle name Joseph after him). He also had many nieces and nephews.

Joe (AKA Wally or Walter, to some) did whatever he needed to do to support his family. In his early years of marriage, he was helping support his wife, daughter, ailing mother-in-law and young brother-in-law. He worked as a soda jerk, store clerk part time and at a woolen mill and Royal Typewriter until automaton took that job. He finally ended up at Kaman Aircraft in Bloomfield in 1956. He started as a sheet metal worker and in less than five years became assistant foreman. He worked his way up to an office job as a cost estimator until his retirement in 1995.

Joe was an accomplished pianist who loved playing for family and friends. He played at the Windsor Senior Center talent contests for several years. When he was a patient in nursing homes, he would ask to be wheeled to the piano to play for not only his enjoyment but for the enjoyment of others.

He loved swimming and at 91 was still swimming at this favorite spot, Stanclift Cove in the summer and at the YMCA off season.

Card playing was in the Casey family bloodline, always willing to play cards at a moment’s notice. He was a long-time member of the setback club at the Windsor Senior Center, for many years he ran the games and threw pizza or ice cream parties. He leaves many friends from there, especially Marge Modeen, who was always looking out for him.

He loved animals, especially his pet dogs and birds. He always contributed to animal charities and many other charities too.

He was a big kid at heart, always looking for someone to go to Six Flags with him, especially the water park. He took his grandkids (and their parents) to Disney World and later some great grandkids too. He loved amusement parks, arcades, casinos and action movies. Cape Cod had a special place in his heart, and he rented a home on the ocean twice a year for many years and always invited his family.

He and Helen always took the time to bend over to pick up a penny or any coin. It is ironic that he always said they might do away with pennies, and this year, it just may happen.

It was surprising that he outlived the love of his life, Helen, for almost 12 years. One can only imagine their reunion in heaven and Helen asking him, “What took you so long?” He was too busy playing.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on March 15, 2025 at Praise Christian Fellowship, 52 New Hartford Road, Barkhamsted CT.

Joe was a very generous man, in his memory, do something kind or generous for someone, and continue playing. 

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