David John Casareno

David John Casareno, a native of Salinas, California, and a resident of New York City for over 40 years, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Elmhurst, Queens, on December 24, 2024. He was 63 years old.

Born on March 17, 1961, David was a lifelong scholar with a deep commitment to academic excellence. After graduating from Salinas High School (Class of 1979), he attended and graduated from Hartnell College with his Associate Degree. He then attended and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, earning his Bachelor's Degree. David later moved to New York City to attend and graduate from the prestigious Columbia University School of Social Work, where he earned his Master's Degree.

David's life's work was rooted in a passion for helping others through counseling, crisis intervention and advocacy. This journey began during his high school years at Sunrise House in Salinas. At the time of his passing, he was a highly respected Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) practicing in New York City. He was deeply loved by the many individuals whose lives he touched, guiding them with dedication from early adolescence through adulthood.

At the time of his passing, David was survived by his siblings:
- Brothers: Joaquin Jr. of Salinas, CA; Alex (Joe) of El Dorado Hills, CA; and Don (Rachelle) of Salinas, CA.
- Sisters: Hope of San Francisco, CA, and Rosaria Welles (Andre) of Sacramento, CA.

He is also survived by his niece, Laura Casareno of Memphis, TN; and his nephews, Joaquin Casareno III of Hollister, CA, and Andre Welles Jr. of Sacramento, CA.

His legacy lives on through his great-nieces, Karisma, Demi, and Emara, and his great-nephew, Mason.

David was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred (2011)
and his father, Joaquin (1976). He was later joined in heaven by his brother, Joaquin Casareno Jr., who passed unexpectedly in 2025.