John T. Casey

Wallkill, NY

John T. Casey, age 82, entered into rest Friday, August 29, 2008 at Vassar Brothers Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born August 17, 1926 in NYC, NY, the son of the late Calvin and the late May (Rayside) Wagner.

John, living most of his life in the Gardiner area, recently resided in the Wallkill area. He married Helen Price in 1950.

John proudly served as a master sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 during World War II in Holland, France, and Germany. He was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post #176 in New Paltz. John was a 50-year member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local #445, where he began as a shop steward. From there he became president serving during the mid-1970's to 1980. He retired in 1991. John served as chairman and member of the Gardiner Board of Fire Commissioners, where he was a life member of the Gardiner Fire Department. He was an active member of the Town of Gardiner Democratic Committee for 35 years, where he served as Chairman for 22 years.

John is survived by his daughters, Susan Sahler, Donna and her husband Douglas Castellana of Wallkill; three sisters, Beverly Osterhout of Scotia, NY, Joyce Fodor of Rock Hill, NY, and Peggy Matice of Gardiner, NY; three brothers, Kenneth Wagner of Wallkill, Terry Wagner of Middletown, and Larry Wagner of Pennsylvania; grandsons, Jesse Sahler of St. Petersburgh, FL, Joshua Sahler of Pittsburgh, PA, Michael Castellana of Wallkill, and granddaughter Kylie Castellana of Wallkill, and many nieces and nephews. Also, his forever loyal friend, Kaye.

John was predeceased by his wife, Helen Casey, in 2002; his daughter, Jacquelyn Casey, in 1979 and brother, Clarence "Mickey" Wagner, in 1951. John was a very kind, loving and generous man who would always help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by all.

Friends and family can gather for calling hours on Tuesday, September 2 from 5-8 p.m. at Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY. The memorial service will follow immediately at 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Arlene Dawber officiating. Cremation will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to Gardiner Fire Dept., PO Box 271, Gardiner, NY 12525.

Funeral arrangements are by Copeland Funeral Home, Inc.; (845) 255-1212. If anyone wishes to express condolences online, please go to www.Copelandfhnp.com.