Don R. Casados Jr.

Don R. Casados, Jr. Passed away on February 26, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1924 on the family ranch in Mora, New Mexico. He is preceded in death by his parents, Don R. Casados, Sr. and Candelaria Rudolph Casados, his sister Caroline Casados Rivera, his son Mark Anthony Casados, sister-in-law Manuela Rivera Dossett, nephews Patrick Maynez and Douglas Dossett. Don is survived by Katherine, his loving wife of 65 years, his son Dennis and wife Teresa; four grandchildren, Melissa Casados (John Gutierrez), Darren Casados (Jolene), Marla Pettingill (Marty) and Brandon Casados; eight great-grandchildren, Arlene, Steven, Marissa, Darren, Jr., Bianca, Alyssa, Darin, and Darien. Don is also survived by in-laws Ruth S. Ortiz, Oscar and Julietta Maynez, Rudy and Margaret Garcia and nephews and nieces. Don attended the Sisters of Loretto Convent in Mora, New Mexico for his primary schooling. The family moved to Santa Fe in the early 1930s and he was enrolled at St. Michael's College, graduating with the class of 1941. Don was an honor student, class leader and star football player, winner of several elocution contests, spelling bees, and recipient of many medals and certificates. In 1937 he was granted a four year academic scholarship to St. Michael's College. In January 1943 Don was drafted into the United States Army where he participated in the Battle of the Bulge under the leadership of General George S. Patton's 3rd Army, 312th Engineer Battalion, 87th Infantry Division, Golden Acorn Company. He participated in campaigns in the freezing cold dense forests of the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Highlands in 1949. He earned State of New Mexico Department of Education Administrative and Secondary Certificates and also held the Guidance Counselor Certificate. Don led a long and distinguished career as a New Mexico educator. His professional experience included 37 years of devoted service to the Santa Fe Public Schools beginning in 1949 spanning 5 decades and retiring in 1986. He served as Director of Testing for the Santa Fe Public Schools, taught Spanish and New Mexico History at Harvey Junior High School, Civics at B.F. Young Junior High School, and U.S. History at Santa Fe High School. Don also served as Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal at Santa Fe High School. He was named Principal of Santa Fe Mid-High School in 1965 and served as sole principal for 11 years. He became Associate Principal and summer school Principal at Santa Fe High School in 1976 and in 1982 he was named Principal of Santa Fe High School, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the New Mexico Education Association, National Education Association, Psi Chi National Honorary Society in Psychology, Pi Gamma Mu National Social Science Honor Society, Charter Member and Associate of the New Mexico State Psychological Association, Associate Member of the American Psychological Association, 87th Infantry Division Association Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, American Legion Post 1, and lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #460. He was a charter member and organizer of the Santa Fe Babe Ruth baseball league and coached little league baseball. He was a charter member of the Disabled World War II Veteran Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 1986 an award was established in his name to be given each year to the Outstanding Teacher at Santa Fe High School. In 1992 he was named Person of the Year by the Coronado Kiwanis Club. Don never sought personal recognition but he earned the respect of his colleagues and the influence he instilled in so many of his students will be long and everlasting. He was praised for his leadership, work ethic, thoroughness, commitment and steadfast dedication to excellence. He was the ultimate professional and not one to rest on laurels or fanfare. Don's approach at handling not just students, but staff, parents and the community was always professional and above the call of duty. As an educator for 37 years Don touched many lives and molded a genuine foundation for the youth of Santa Fe. His basic philosophy toward his student body and faculty was "live and let live, work and let work, take one day at a time, don't dwell on past mistakes and don't worry about future ones". He took pride in his students upon graduation knowing they left with confidence and pride toward future goals and challenges. Don's legacy will be one of quiet faith and devotion and his fond expressions to his commitment to God, family and country. The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all staff at St. Vincent Hospital and Presbyterian Hospice Services for their loving care during his final days. Visitation will take place at McGee Chapel on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 5 - 7 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 2, 2012 at St. Francis Cathedral. Burial services will be held at 9:45 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Brandon Casados, Darren Casados, Darren Casados, Jr., John Gutierrez, Bobby Martinez, and Jimmy Sosaya. Honorary pallbearers: Louie Casados, Patrick Casey and Carlos Gallegos. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Carmelite Monastery, 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)984-8600 Please sign our guestbook online at www.berardinellifuneralhome.com