Donald M. Casey

Vero Beach, FL

Donald M. Casey of Vero Beach passed away on December 24, 2016 with his beloved wife of 57 years, Carole, by his side. Don is survived by four children, Donald M. Casey, Jr. and his wife, Ann, Lynn Casey, Gail Casey Slevin and her husband Robert, and Brian Casey. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Meghan Casey, Quinlan O'Grady, Katie Casey, Kendall Davis, Bridget Casey, Devin Davis, Rory Slevin and Carson Davis.

Don was born on September 28th, 1935 in Great Neck, NY. He graduated Xavier High School and Boston College as a member of the ROTC program. He proudly served in the Army as a First Lieutenant stationed in Korea. After completing his service, he began an extraordinary marketing career at Exxon, then Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson. Don joined TWA in 1968, eventually serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Considered a "marketer's marketer," Don was recognized in the industry for his ability to develop and establish brand identity. He was the creator of memorable TWA campaigns including "Getaway Tours" and "Aviators".

Don, Carole and their family resided in Holmdel, NJ for over forty years where they were active in their church, St. Leo the Great, and their community including Navesink Country Club and Ship Ahoy Beach Club. Over twenty years ago, Don and Carole found Vero Beach, specifically Grand Harbor, a place they loved and made their home. Don was the founder, co-chair, and tireless advocate of Answer to Cancer, President of the Harbor Village Home Owner's Association and a past member of the Grand Harbor Advisory Board.

The Casey Family is profoundly grateful to the staff of the Scully Welsh Cancer Center and the Visiting Nurses Association for the love, care, and compassion they showed to Don and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for support of the cause Don worked so passionately for, Answer to Cancer. Checks should be made out to Answer to Cancer and sent to Grand Harbor, C/O Answer to Cancer 4985 Club Terrace, Vero Beach, Fl 32967.

A service in Don's memory will be held on Friday, December 30th at 1:30 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach.

Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach,

An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TC Palm on Dec. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Casey

Sponsored by Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach.

20 Entries

Barb obrien .. John passed 10 years ago so I guess John and Don are together

Barbara O'Brien

June 9, 2025

John and Don together in heaven!! Being a widow not easy

Thomas Cira

July 7, 2023

I have just acquired a copy of "This Old Boat", After reading it I suddenly discovered the real value to me was not about Boats but about Life, and decision making. I am 83 years old and have made the book required reading for my grandson, age 14. Not because he has a special interest in boats, but the logic and thought applied to acquiring and the selection process is so well explained that it applies to just trying to grow up in this day and age. I am truly sorry I never met Mr. Casey for I feel sure he was a truly a man worth knowing, I would bet his insight into humanity far exceeds his knowledge of boats.

Sheena Payne

January 14, 2017

My sincere condolences to the entire Casey family. Don was truly a remarkable man, that I had the pleasure of working for from 1997-2001. He was a "master marketer" who elevated my passion for marketing.

Sincerely,
Sheena Payne

Beth Mack

January 14, 2017

To the Casey family:

I just yesterday heard that Don had passed on. The TWA family may be slow, but we still maintain the strength of our shared experiences.

I worked with Don during his second stint at TWA in the 90s, until the AA acquisition in 2001. I absolutely agree with what others have written here. Don was a kind, empathetic, encouraging and gracious boss.

He was the epitome of the word " gentleman". He gently corrected us if we where heading down the wrong path (otherwise known as not the direction he wanted us to go), he advocated for us and he taught us so much. A truly brilliant and visionary marketer. He spoke frequently of his family in NJ and beyond (at that time he was staying in St Louis during the week and commuting back/forth on weekends).

Of course, we all went our separate ways after the AA acquisition, but he kept up with many of us via LinkedIn and continued to encourage and advise. He wrote long chatty emails extolling the many accomplishments of his children. He was so proud of all of you.

I am blessed to have known and worked with Don . He was one of a kind - there will never be anyone as inspirational, motivational and creative as Don. There is not a person that he touched that he did not change. Thank you for loaning him to us for a while.

Beth Mack

Robin Wilson

December 31, 2016

Carole, I have a deep feeling of sadness at Don's passing.
Although Don and I have had no contact for some 20 years, time has not reduced my regard for him and nor dimmed my memories of how our lives intertwined at TWA in the 1970's.
During that period, He was for a time my boss and later my colleague as we each headed one of TWA's major departments, so I saw him a a mentor, as a leader and most importantly as a human being with strong commitment to ethical standards.
In that "Mad Men" era Don in contrast stood out as a master of work/life balance, where it was very clear that his commitment to TWA, strong as it was, must give priority to family and church. This quality may have shortened his work hours, but they multiplied his effectiveness; combined with his abilities in hiring and motivation,was his ability to delegate and trust his staff to TWA's and their benefit. The best evidence lies in the remarkable business successes of so many of Don's Team.
Don and I, left TWA, not of our own volition, on the same day in 1981. Don took it with his customary smile and went straight on to put his business talents to good use elsewhere, but TWA lost a strength that it needed.
Carole, I can only offer my sympathy and say that Don gave us an example of a life well-lived. Sadly, he has gone but he has surely left his mark, a tribute not only to him, but also to you, to his broader family and to his Church..

New years eve

KAREN

December 30, 2016

I will miss his smile, I will miss his laugh, and how he loved all of us kids. Rest in peace Mr. Casey. Say hi to my dad

Norma Kaehler

December 30, 2016

Mrs Casey and family, I was very saddened to learn of your loss.
I had the honor of working with Don at TWA. He was always so helpful to others no matter their position. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. A true gentleman. No matter how challenging the event or crisis, he maintained a calm and positive demeanor. A marketing whiz.
With deepest sympathies.

Collette and Warren McManus

December 30, 2016

Carole, thinking of you and your family . We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Bob and Dale Mushkin

December 30, 2016

Carol,
We are so saddened to learn of Don's passing, and extend our deepest sympathies to your family. Don was a true friend and mentor, by far the most gifted, disciplined and creative executive of any with whom Bob ever worked with or for. A genuine marketing genius, an even better corporate officer. A loyal and supportive supervisor.
Dale and Bob Mushkin

December 30, 2016

Carol and Family,

Joe and I are so sorry for your loss. We have such fond memories of Don. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Warmest regards,

Jean & Joe Weisberg

December 30, 2016

Dear Carole and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Don was such a kind and compassionate man. May your memories of him fill your hearts with joy, make you smile and and brings you comfort. We'll always remember the Christmases we spent with the Casey Family.
With sympathy, Lou and Gene Quigley

Tracy Woods

December 29, 2016

Mrs. Casey - I am so sorry for your loss of Mr. Casey, he was a wonderful man. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you both during these last few months. I will keep your entire family in my prayers during these difficult days.

Rosemary&Bill Montgomery

December 29, 2016

What can we say....he was a wonderful person. Many great memories of spending time with the two of you. He will be missed by not only his family but also many friends.
Our prayers are with the Casey family.

kelley

December 29, 2016

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

December 29, 2016

Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio

Gerry Green

December 29, 2016

Dear Casey family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gail, know that I will keep all of you in my prayers. "Life is not ended, only changed."
Peace,
Gerry Green