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Dylan Casey Obituary

CASEY, DYLAN THOMAS, 19, took his own life on December 13, 2011.

Born the only child of Bill and Lisa Casey on January 3, 1992, he leaves behind his parents; grandmother, Delores Plakosh of Aliquippa, PA; and aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the U.S.; and last and certainly not least, his many friends over the years at Camp Palawopec, Louisville and several other cities across the country.

Dylan loved his family, friends, music and the great outdoors very much, but in his mind the cruelty in the world as a whole was more than he could bare. He hid his pain and suffering very well, but expressed much joy and happiness to his family and friends for many years. He left a note to let us all know that he knew that he was loved and that he loved us all as well. We will always remember his beautiful smile and caring heart.

There will be a private memorial service for Dylan in Old Louisville with close family, friends and neighbors.

Dylan's family wishes to thank all of those who have expressed their sympathies.

In lieu of flowers anyone wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to the charity or environmental cause of their choice.

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

Published by Courier-Journal on Dec. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Dylan Casey

Not sure what to say?





Rebecca (Caudill) Markja

December 11, 2024

Mr. and Mrs. Casey,
On this anniversary of Dylan's passing, I just want you to know I have not forgotten that sweet, sweet boy, and that I think of him often. You may not remember, but I was his 4th grade teacher at Cochran Elementary way back in the day. My name was Ms. Caudill at the time, but I have been Mrs. Markja for many years now, and am approaching retirement. Some students just live in your heart long after they leave your classroom, and Dylan is one of those students. That smile of his could light up our whole classroom! I'm sure the years since 2011 have been extremely hard for you both, but I pray that memories of Dylan still bring sunshine to your souls like they do for me. I am so thankful that I was allowed to know Dylan. He brought me joy! May God richly bless both of you!

Pat El-Wagaa

June 10, 2012

Lisa and Billy - My heart breaks for both of you - you and Dylan have been in my thoughts since I heard the news. I wish I had the power to ease the heartbreak that you must be feeling. Although I only met him once - what a beautiful young man! - the wonderful "Dylan" stories throughout the years helped me understand that he was a funny, sensitive and brillant soul. Keep his essence in your hearts and know that I'm always here if you need a shoulder.

Eric Elsenbroek

February 18, 2012

I barely knew Dylan, but I immediately felt a strong connection with him. Dylan was a wonderfull friend. He is terribly missed.

Jana Perry

February 12, 2012

You're son was one of the most amazing people that I ever got the chance to know. He had a beautiful mind and a heart big enough for an entire world. His smile made anything wrong instantly better. There's not one day that I won't miss him and wish that he was stil around. I hope that you all are doing well, I know that he still is with us everywhere we go and everything that we do, He loved you all so much words can't even describe.

SUE SMITH

February 7, 2012

Billy & lISA SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF YOUR PRECIOUS SON AND MY SWEET NEPHEW.I KNOW HE IS WALKING THOSE STREETS OF GOLD RIGHT NOW SO DON'T LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED FOR OUR PRECIOUS SAVIOR IS WALKING WITH HIM AND ONE DAY YOU CAN ALL WALK TOGETHER AGAIN. YOU HAD SO MANY YEARS OF YOY WITH HIM SO EVERY TIME YOU ARE OUT IN THE SUN SHINE LOOK UP AND IMAGINE HIM THERE. MAY THE LORD HOLD YOU CLOSE AND GIVE YOU COMFORT. LOVE YOU SO MUCH . SUE

Lisa Casey

February 3, 2012

Thank you to everyone for the kind words.
I just stumbled on this guestbook today and did not know it even existed. All the messages from those who knew Dylan to those that were touched by this tragedy are deeply heartfelt.

December 24, 2011

Blessings today to you both Lisa and Bill.It is my first Christmas without my son, Max, also. I pray for some solace for you from somewhere. Love, Patty

Sherry Smith

December 22, 2011

Lisa and Billy,

I found out yesterday about Dylan's death. This news has deeply saddened us. I want you to know that we are thinking of you both. I only knew Dylan for a short while but I remember the times that he and Natalie played together. He was an adorable little boy and I see that he grew up to be a handsome man. I know that your pain must be unbearable and I understand. I saw my mother suffer through that pain when my brother took his own life four years ago. And in my own sorrow and attempt to understand, I turned to a book titled, “Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide for Families After a Suicide” written by Kurt Cobain's Aunt.

Natalie, Tom and I hope that peace will find you both.

Sherry

Rebecca Davis

December 20, 2011

Dear Lisa and Bill, Dylan was a wonderful and thoughtful person and I know that Mom and I and the girls will miss him.

Max and I in happier times...

Patty Gilderbloom

December 20, 2011

Dear Lisa and Bill, I want to express my heartache at your loss. I too, lost my only son, Max, age 21, this year to suicide. He took his own life the day after mother's day. Like Dylan, Max was loved very much and loved his family and friends and everyone he met very much also. Yet also like your Dylan, the world was a dark place for Max, one he couldn't reconcile with his own understanding at such a young age. Please know I understand what unbearable pain you are in. I cry every morning and night, I miss Max so. Dylan has a beautiful smile. Max did too. They were the bright angels that were called away to do their work elsewhere. We are lucky for the time we had them. Those are hard words to hear. The only solace I accept and can offer is that Dylan's pain, as is Max's, is over. They are at peace....no more struggling and heartache. How I wish everything could have been different. I think about how my world is different now without Max and it is very surreal....Please know I am here to do whatever I can to ease your burden. It helps to talk about the immense loss that you/we have suffered. Blessings to you. Patty Gilderbloom 502-500-4450

Rebecca Caudill

December 19, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. Casey,
You may not remember me, but oh, how well I remember young, sweet, smiling Dylan! He was one of my students at Cochran Elementary, and I have many precious memories from our year spent together in the classroom. I was very saddened to read this obituary, and my heart remains heavy for your loss. From a pencil-thin, long-armed, gangly little boy with a beautiful smile, I see he matured into a very handsome young man with that same brilliant smile! I am so sorry that life was unkind to him. I am praying that God will speak His peace upon both of you, and walk with you each step of the way as you begin learning how to live life without Dylan. May God watch over you and keep you close by His side. Remembering Dylan!

December 19, 2011

Dear Lisa and Bill,
I am the neighbor to your mom, Delores. Ben and Chris grew up with Dylan and always enjoyed when he visited his grandma. I am heartbroken to hear about your loss. We all loved Dylan. Chris especially like to talk computers with him. He was such a great kid. Beverly Galzerano

Mary Chase

December 19, 2011

I am are so very sorry for the loss of your son. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Casey & Sara Dent

December 19, 2011

Bill and Lisa - I am at a loss for words; my heart aches so much for you. I have known you for 11 years and remember Dylan when he was younger. I always enjoyed the stories Bill would tell through the years of things that he and Dylan had done. You both are in our prayers.

Mr.& Mrs. Charles Plakosh

December 19, 2011

Dear Lisa and Billy,
Please accept deepest condolences at this very difficult time.You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you reflect on the dear memories you shared with Dylan.Our hearts go out to you. With Sadness, Trish, Chuck and Dylan
Our

A Mother

December 19, 2011

Mr. & Mrs. Casey - Thank you for openly sharing the reason of your beautiful son's passing. It takes great faith, strength and courage to be so honest about the subject of suicide. Reading about your son I felt as though I knew him, even though I never had the pleasure. I have a son his age, who I bet has dealt with some of the same issues Dylan did. It makes me wonder how young people deal with the pressures of today's world; my heart hurts for them. Your son's death will not be in vain. As a mother I know your sharing has helped many of us. All of the people who knew, loved and was blessed to be a part of Dylan's life will be in my prayers. My heart is broken by his death. I've shed many tears with you all. May God bless and continue to love and comfort you during this very difficult time. I know God has welcomed your beautiful baby boy with loving and open arms.

Keith Chesson

December 19, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Wanda and William Jackson

December 18, 2011

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear son. We also lost a son to suicide. They had a pain that they did not know how to handle and probably didn't share it with anyone, to get help. We attend a support group that has been helpful. If you would like to attend, its Survivors of Suicide, the place we meet is S. Matthews episocopal church,330 North Hubbards lane, first and third thursday, 7:30-9:30, you can call Gage Donohue 283-1111, or Glen Raymond 583-5673 ,,,, There is another support group call Comparsionate Friends, they meet at Highsland Krogers, 4th thursday, upstairs, (when you come in the main door, keep walking until you see stairs, once you are upstairs,turn right to the door. God bless your family!

LeAnna Jones

December 18, 2011

I was so shocked when I heard this. You contacted me a few months ago and we talked about how hard things were because we were going through similar situations. You were my first high school boyfriend. I will never forget the dozen of roses you sent me on Valentines Day and all of the fun dates we had at Olive Garden. You will forever be missed in all of our hearts. To Your Parent -- Your son has been nothing but amazing to everyone. It was and is still a blessing that you could bring such a joy into this world. You will all be in my prayers. Rest easy Dylan

December 18, 2011

My thoughts are with you........I am so sad. Let me know if I can do anything for you....Your neighbor Mike Miller

Bill Michael

December 18, 2011

You don't know me but I am truly sorry for your loss. I know something about sadness, and I only wish I could've been there to talk with him for five minutes. Maybe I, or someone, anyone, could have helped him see another way. Rest in peace, young man. We will remember you always.

Karen Widener

December 17, 2011

Time flies, before you know it, you will all be together again. Its God's plan. What a handsome son! I wish I could have met him.

Robin Funk-Ware

December 17, 2011

Dear Casey Family,
I am a stranger to you nor did I know your beloved son Dylan. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt and honest obituary.I have had several friends and a family member that have committed suicide.None of these obituaries ever mentioned that the death was by suicide nor was it ever talked about. What tremendous courage it took for your family to write the truth! It is sometimes said,"Pain shared is pain lessened". Only God knows how many people that you may have helped by honoring the truth. My prayer is that your son Dylan's life will not be in vain and that the world will come to recognize sensitivity as a virtue not as a weakness.There is a Louisville Support group called "Compassionate Friends" for families that have lost children.There phone nubers are (1-800-221-0446) or locally (589-4313).May you find comfort in knowing that even a complete stranger has been moved by the death of your son. God Bless your family.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Robin Funk-Ware

Benjamin Tucker

December 17, 2011

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Though I hadn't met him, I am also the parent of a 20-year old in these difficult times. May God console you in your sorrow.

Kim Purtilar

December 17, 2011

I do not know your family but read the obits everyday and this has touched my heart. Ive thought about your family all day today and just wanted to express my condolences. Your son is a very handsome young man. I have a son his age that has some battles himself and cant imagine your pain. I also want to tell you that his obit was beautifully written. I felt like I knew him. Your family will be in my prayers throughout the coming days.

December 17, 2011

I, too, have an only child...I can only imagine what you must be going through. Heartfelt sympathies to you and may you find some solace in the love of friends and family.

Ken Richey

December 17, 2011

My deepest heartfelt prayers go out to you. Been in the same place as you, and I can only say to enjoy the many great memories you had with him.

An Old Louisville Resident

December 17, 2011

It is with great sorrow that I express my condolences to you. I wish I could take away your pain. May you be surrounded by much love.

Ginny Keen

December 17, 2011

Lisa and Bill I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. Dylan is such a good looking son. I know your heart is breaking and mine breaks for you. I always really liked Dylan and I can't imagine your pain. My heart breaks for you, Ginny Keen

A Non

December 17, 2011

I cannot express my sorrow for the family as I wish I could...a heart and soul as beautiful as his was too good for this world.

David Casi

December 17, 2011

Dylan you were my best friend in the world. I wish we could have spoken. I will always remember you and regret the fact that you are gone.

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