Joseph Casagrande Obituary (2013) - Morning Call

Joseph Casagrande

Joseph J. Casagrande
Dr. Joseph J. Casagrande, PhD, died Sunday, March 3, 2013, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Born in Pen Argyl, he was a son of the late Anthony F. and Alvera (Susanetto) Casagrande. He was a graduate of Pen Argyl High School, Cornell University Magna Cum Lauda, and from the doctoral program in psychology at Purdue. His career with the Veterans Administration spanned 39 years. First at the Veterans Hospital in Wilkes Barre, and the last 15 years at the Veterans Clinic in Allentown. He was a good man, upstanding and kind, and cared deeply about his patients from the Vietnam War through the wars of today. His family adored him and he will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt thanks for the compassionate and dedicated care he received from the nursing staff at the hospital. Survivors: His wife of 46 years, Rosann (Karlin) Casagrande; a son, Toby, and his wife Aime; and their two sons, Joey and Vinny, of Frenchtown, NJ; a daughter, Jenny Anne in North Carolina; and a brother in Kansas. He was predeceased by a brother, Anthony P. Casagrande. Services: An inurnment service will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, in the Eternity Gardens of Nisky Hill Cemetery in Bethlehem. To offer your sympathy to the family online, visit his Book of Memories at: falkfuneralhomes.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated in his name to the charity of ones choice.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Morning Call on Mar. 5, 2013.

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42 entries

June 20, 2013

Dear Mrs. Casagrande & Family,

I want to express my deepest condolences to the entire family of Dr. Casagrande and to all the veterans who he has helped over the years. I know we all will miss him greatly. I was a patient of Dr. Casagrande for many years and he brought me back from a dark place. As a Vietnam Vet trying to deal with my experiences there he gave me a memorable piece of advice that I will never forget. He told me that my constant thoughts of the war will never end and that the best thing I can do is to try and make peace with these thoughts. His advice and wisdom has helped me a lot. Dr. Casagrande was a great man, a caring and compassionate professional and he will be truly missed by all the veterans he has helped throughout the years. I, like one of the other veteran who signed this guestbook for Doc, will be lost without him.

Richard Walbert

May 3, 2013

He was the only one who knew myself, better than I knew myseld. Dr Casagrande was a GREAT MAN!

I was up the Allentown VA getting checked out Apr 1/13 when I stopped into see him and say hello. I always stopped to say hi to him and get a good laugh in.

I found out he had passed-away that day. I am deeply devistated by his loss. Our loss. I am so sorry to hear this.

My deepest sympathy to you and all your family. I will never forget you Dr Casagrande

His patient, Nicholas Piperata

April 12, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to you Roseann and your family. We were childhood friends of Joe's. I from St. Roch's, West Bangor. At that early age he impressed us with his brilliance and kindness. My husband was a Pen Argyl classmate who greatly admired him. May wonderful memories and stories sustain all of you.

Rose and Michael Fiorot

April 12, 2013

I just learned of Joe's death and I am sorrowed by the news. I knew Joe back in the Purdue days where we worked hard to complete our doctorate studies. Joe was always a good friend, attentive student and caring person. We parted company in 1970 to complete internships but I stayed in touch with him from time to time as we both had gone to work for the VA and ended up as Chiefs (I was Chief in Oklahoma City). I always valued his thoughts and opinions. I offere my condolences to friends and family.

April 9, 2013

I just learned of the passing of Joe. He was a VA colleague for many years and I always appreciated his insight and ability to manage very difficult situations with grace and sensitivity. I know he faced many challenges with all the changes in VA but also know he kept veterans as the focus of his purpose. Please know there are thousands of veterans that have benefited from his work at VA - and there are many staff, including myself, who benefited from knowing him.

Stephen Cavicchia

March 24, 2013

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken time to remember our father and husband. We sorely miss him and are comforted to know we are not alone.

We're also deeply regretful to hear there was a delay in communicating his untimely passing to those he worked with. You are, indeed, our extended family. Though we might not know each of your names, servicemen and women have been our uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, over these almost 40 years. We share our successess and sorrows together, and my father's perspective on life and purpose was the same whether he was at home or at work.

In our last conversation, he reiterated a common message: we have everything we need inside of ourselves to take good care of ourselves, and to take good care of each other.

He is buried at Nisky Hill Cemetary in Bethlehem, PA.

Jenny Casagrande

March 21, 2013

I learned of Joe's death last Monday when I returned to the Wilkes-Barre VAMC to do a presentation for the Social Work staff. I worked closely with Joe for 28 years prior to my retirement and his transfer to the AOPC. I was a co-therapist with him with the Vietnam Veterans group in the eighties and most recently worked very closely with him in my role as Suicide Prevention Coordinator. Joe was what I consider an "ideal" therapist - compassionate, empathic, veteran-centered and knowledgeable. And besides that he was a very competent administrator, advisor, role model and mentor to me. I will miss him, but take comfort in the fact that he was continuing his life-work with no regret when he died. His loss creates an unfillable void at the VA. My condolences to family and friends.

John Shalanski

March 18, 2013

Dear Mrs. Casagrande and Family,
I sincerely apologize for the amount of time which has passed between the date I learned about our mutual loss of your husband and your children's father and grandfather of their children. I wrote mutual loss, because I am one of the many veterans in his extended family—many of whom have expressed their profound sadness, and that we all are sharing with you the grief of losing a loved one.
The true value of one's life is measured by the quality of impact one has made upon the lives of others. The impact Doc Casagrande has made upon the lives of others has been expressed eloquently by his many veterans, colleagues, friends and family. Veteran Max Harris has expressed in his comments how I also feel about the Doc.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best regards,
Dave Binder
Vietnam Veteran, 1965-1967

David Binder

March 13, 2013

All I want to say and share about an amazing Man: Doctor Joseph Casagrande - In Memoriam http://www.combatveteranswithptsd.com/2/post/2013/03/doctor-joseph-casagrande-in-memoriam.html
Doc changed my life and I let the world know the only way I know how - through words.

Max Harris

March 13, 2013

Doc was my therapist for the past 2+ years. It's hard to sum up exactly what he did for me, and what he meant to me, but I am still here because of the kindness and care he showed me. It wasn't always subtle, or even what I wanted to hear, but it was always what I needed. He showed me I still have a life to live. I can never thank him and his family enough.

J Greig

March 13, 2013

Although the time Dr. Casagrande spent working with me was short, the impact he had on my life will be forever. Thank you for all that you have giving me to lead a better life.

Jason M

March 12, 2013

Dr. Casagrande will be greatly missed. He was a good , kind man and a fabulous doctor. We are so sorry for your loss, Sincerely, Daniel Datchko USCG ret. and wife, Donna.

March 11, 2013

Dr. Casagrande was a great person, outstanding friend, and best Doctor i ever had, he will be missed by all,

Jason Gerhard

March 11, 2013

Mrs. Casagrande and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr C has helped me through so much. He had a way of making me feel like my appointments were with a dad or family member than a doctor. I will miss those conversations. My last appointment he shared with me how he was looking forward to his wife's fruitcakes. I hope he enjoyed them.

Marilyn K

March 7, 2013

I did a summer psychology clerkship with Joe as my first psychologist boss in 1986 and then returned to the VA to work as a psychologist in between working with active duty Marines and Sailors. I always counted on Joe for practical, ethical responses to every situation. He never failed to take the high road and always endeavored to maintain client welfare as the number one priority. I left the VA six months ago and returned to work with active duty Marines and Sailors at Parris Island. I'll carry his wisdom and compassion and commitment to our service members and veterans forward. My deepest condolences. Semper Fi, Dr. Casagrande.

Tom Collins

March 7, 2013

It broke my heart when Danielle called and told me the terrible outcome.
Mrs. Casagrande & family - "Doc" didn't just change my life in the mid 70's, he helped me to realize that I had a life to change, then showed me how - 1 step at a time. I will forever be grateful for his consistent attitude to everyone who crossed his path! God bless you all! Thank you most of all Doc. Semper Fi!!

Erle Mutz

March 6, 2013

I have seen many, many Doctors but none compare to Doc C! I am blessed that he gave me all the tools I need and I will miss him very much. My deepest condolances to family and friends...

Anthony Jezick

March 6, 2013

"While I am living,I hope the world will say that it is a better place because I am here. When I die, I hope God will say that the world is a better place because I had lived." I'm sure God is giving Dr. Casagrande a standing ovation.

Skip Breitfeld

March 6, 2013

Dear Mrs. Casagrande and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I can only echo what the other veterans have expressed so eloquently about Doc. He was a caring friend with so much empathy and sympathy. His heart for veterans was as huge as humanly possible. He was a real friend and was truly one of a kind. I will miss him immensely. Rest in Peace, Doc. You helped remove the burdens from so many of us.

Gary Rieth

March 6, 2013

I was truly saddened to learn of Joe's death. Although we had lost contact, he will always be fondly remembered. John Casagrande, cousin

March 6, 2013

Mrs. Casagrande and family,

Joe was a dedicated, competent, caring professional who put the care of patients first. He was always approachable, willing to listen, provide consultation and usually had a humorous story to offer. I respected his professional judgement and felt priviledged that he did share personl experiences such as the importance of you and your children. Know that not only will he be missed by his family and friends but he was held in high regard and with respect by his co-workers and patients as well.

My thought and prayers are with him and his family.

Michael Culkin, VA Social Worker

March 6, 2013

My condolences go out to Rosann and her family. I haven't seen Joe for many years but he was a classmate of mine at Pen Argyl high school.He was always friendly and extremely bright.May he rest in peace.

Val Caesar

March 6, 2013

Dr. CAsagrande you will be dearly missed, thank you so much for helping patients like myself get trough life, sending my deepest prayers and condolences to your family.

Rest in Peace

Amanda Kuncewitch

March 6, 2013

I worked with Dr Casagrande for many years at the VA and he was one of the most pricipaled and caring clinicians I ever met and terrible loss to every one.

Stephen Scharding

March 6, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Mike Casagrande

March 6, 2013

Dr. Casagrande will be remembered as a true Statesman and human being. He was dedicated and he will surely be missed. May God bless him and his family.

Adalberto Morales

March 6, 2013

Mrs Casagrande, I know that we never actually met, but I feel like I know you well. The reason this is so is the fact that I had the privilege of working for Joe for over twenty years. During that time, we shared with each other what was happening with our spouses and families. The way Joe would speak about you and your children always left no doubt the great love he had for you and his children.When I retired from the VA in May 2011, I went down to Allentown and
had lunch with him. I wanted him to know how much appreciation I had for the opportunity to have worked with him.I am so glad that I did that.If there is any service that I can give you please let me know.Respectfully,
Kevin P. Creegan

March 6, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of grief. I had the privilege of working with Joe at the VA Clinic in Allentown. He was a true gentleman.

Stephanie Hellerick

March 6, 2013

My condolenses to the family. Dr. Cassagrande was a careing person, willing to listen to the troubles of so many vets. At times I think I could see in his eyes the emotions he felt for all of us. His family and the world has lost a true hero. Rest in peace Dr. C

Randy L.

March 5, 2013

I retired from the Wilkes Barre VAMC in 1996. At that time Joe was Chief of Psychology and I was Chief of Audiology and Speech Pathology. He was one of the finest men that I have known and treasured our friendship. I now wish I had kept in touch. My heart felt condolences go to his family. I can remember him telling me that when Ginny graduated, he and Toby put her on their shoulders and ran around. Such Love! May Joe rest in peace.

Zoe Zehel, Ph.D.

March 5, 2013

I retired from the Wilkes Barre VAMC in 1996. At that time Joe was Chief of Psychology and I was Chief of Audiology and Speech Pathology. He was one of the finest men that I have known and treasured our friendship. I now wish I had kept in touch. My heart felt condolences go to his family. I can remember him telling me that when Ginny graduated, he and Toby put her on their shoulders and ran around. Such Love! May Joe rest in peace.

Zoe Zehel, Ph.D.

March 5, 2013

I had the great privilege of working with Joe in the VA and he was a true gentleman, a consummate professional, a caring and astute psychologist; he was admired, respected and loved by his patients and colleagues as well. We will all always remember Joe. Our hearts and prayers are with Joe and his family.
Jay Kloin

Jay Kloin

March 5, 2013

Condolenses to the family. Rest in peace Dr. Casagrande.

Rich and Sue Abrams

March 5, 2013

Dear Rosann and Family,
May Our Lord God give you comfort and Peace in this time of Sorrow.
Cousin John and Lucille Casagrande

John Casagrande

March 5, 2013

Mrs. Casagrande, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I only knew your husband for a short time and he changed my life for the better as I know he did for so many others. He was a very special person.

John Sywensky

March 5, 2013

Dr. Casagrande was someone who kept me in check, my meetings with him at the VA were indeed very valuable to me He pulled no punches, He was a man of knowledge and concern about ALL he touched. Man!! my heart hurts for the family and the Vets that never new him!!! I can not express how influential Doc was dealing with me. The best part was he never let me down!!! Now I'm lost!!!!!!

John Burd

March 5, 2013

My deepest sympathies to Dr. Casagrande's family, friends, coworkers and patients. I have been a patient of his for a year and a half, give or take. In the short bit of time that I was his patient, he was able to help me in ways that no one has ever been able to get through to me about. He was the most talented and knowledgeable person I have ever met in his line of work. I can honestly say that Dr. Casagrande didn't just change my life, that's not his style, he helped me to change my own life and the taught me how to live and cope with life without him if the day would ever come too soon. I will never forget him or the things he taught me and I will continue to live a better, happier life because I had the blessed chance to have him in my life, as brief as it was. He was truly an extraordinary man whose legacy of living a better life will live on forever.

C Miller

March 5, 2013

Rosann and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have many fond memories of Joe as a classmate at Pen Argyl. I am a widow and had 40 wonderful years with my husband. I am comforted by the many happy memories and I hope your memories help. God gives us the strength to continue with the help of family and friends.

Gerri(Geraldine) DeMilio(Miller)

March 5, 2013

Dear Rosann,My sympathy to you and you family.Joe was a classmate from first grade till graduation.He was always very bright,well mannered and a friend to all.May the many years you had together bring peace and comfort now and in the difficult days ahead.

Loretta Denicuola

March 5, 2013

Dr. Casagrande was extremely goos at what he did. I will never forget what he said and did for me. I am dorry for your loss

Walter Achey III

March 5, 2013

Dear Rosann,
It seems like only yesterday that Joe and I were each others best man at our weddings and now he is gone. My heart felt sympathies go out to you and your family. I will always cherish the memories of Joe and I growing up together in PenArgyl. He was my best friend then and will always remain my best friend. My thoughts and memories of Joe will forever be with me.

Anthony DeBerardinis

March 5, 2013

My grandfather was Renato Casagrande. I remember his brothers Tony and Peter. I believe Joseph and I are related in some way. I would like to offer my sympathy to the family.

Claudia Whitehead-Samer

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