Jack Casey passed away peacefully last night at the St Joseph’s of the Pines Retirement Community in Southern Pines, North Carolina. He was 83.
Jack was the loving husband of Mary (Clancy) Casey of Galway, Ireland. He was born in Boston Massachusetts on July 2, 1933, and was the only child of David and Mary (Sweeney) Casey. He grew up in Brookline Massachusetts where he attended St. Mary’s School and graduated Brookline High School in 1952. He served in the US Navy on the USS Wisconsin during the Korean War from 1953 until 1955. He returned to Brookline and was married in St. Mary’s Church in July 1956. Jack was employed in the Brookline Fire Department from 1963 until his retirement in 1997. Jack and Mary retired to North Carolina in 2008 to be closer to family. Jack is survived by: his wife Mary; his son David; his daughter-in-law Maria (DiGiovanni) Casey; and his 3 grandsons, Philip, Jack, and George Casey.
Jack was known for his love of Irish music and John Wayne movies. He also loved all teams Boston, especially the Red Sox and the Bruins. His grandsons called him “Boppy,” and they will always remember how much he enjoyed his daily walks around the Brookline reservoir years ago. Jack also loved playing catch with his grandsons and entertaining them with his impressive skills on the accordion, and continued to do both even once he was in a wheelchair. His rendition of “Danny Boy” was spot-on, and never failed to bring a huge smile to everyone in the room!
Jack took great pleasure from the simple things in life, and his kindness and easy laughter will continue to serve as an example for all of us. He just always seemed to know what most people spend a lifetime learning…that the simple things in life -like family time, sunshine, and a good chuckle- are also the most important.
Interment will be in a family plot at St. Anthony’s cemetery in Southern Pines. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jack’s name to the St. Joseph’s of the Pines Skilled Nursing Facility, 103 Gossman Drive, Southern Pines, NC.
Mr. Casey’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
