Joseph Casadonte Sr.

1953 - 2024

Joseph Casadonte Sr

September 29, 1953 - January 13, 2024

Lakewood Ranch, Florida - Joseph "Joe" Casadonte Sr., (70), of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away on January 13, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Joe, lovingly known as Papa Joe, was born to Mario and Maryann (Jackson) Casadonte, on September 29, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a proud US Navy Veteran, who served aboard the USS Forestall. He graduated from Florida State College and Sharon Hill High School before pursuing and eventually retiring from his career in Information Technology at Schroeder Manatee Ranch (SMR).

Papa Joe is survived by his two oldest children, Joseph Jr., and Tarin, and his four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Austin, Francesca, and Trevor. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine (Casadonte) Metzler and her husband, Michael. Joe also leaves behind a large extended family, Linda (Mozer) Casadonte, the Mozer's, and his SMR work family. He was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Angela "Angi" and his parents, Mario and Maryann.

Papa Joe loved nothing more than getting visits from and spending time with his family. When his children were young, Joe could be found coaching on the sidelines of many soccer fields when he wasn't playing on the indoor field himself. He also enjoyed a life of travel, at first with the Navy and most recently with his daughter, visiting Las Vegas, Ecuador, Italy, Spain, and England to name just a few. Joe enjoyed the companionship of many pets over the years and since the passing of his beloved dog Millie, could be found feeding the birds, bunnies and other wildlife that frequented his backyard. Papa Joe was often heard happily singing along to Tik Tok videos on the porch or the Golden Oldies in his Cadillac, always working hard to hit the high notes he was accustomed to singing in choir growing up. Beneath the "grumpy" persona he played up for the world, Papa Joe was a funny, wise, kind-hearted, and generous man who worked hard to provide for his family. He will be missed beyond measure.