Brattleboro- Casey Nelson Bozetarnik, 71, of Cedar Street, a lifelong resident of Brattleboro, died Thursday morning, December 30, 2021, in the comfort of his home with his wife Pat at his side, following an extended period of failing health due to kidney disease.

Casey was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on August 10, 1950, the son of Casimir and Jean (Langue) Bozetarnik. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending Saint Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of Saint Michael's High School, Class of 1968. He earned his Associate's Degree in Business from Saint Joseph's College in Bennington, his Bachelor's Degree from Johnson State College and his Master's Degree in Education from Norwich University.

He began his career in education at Guilford Central School where he taught Middle School for 19 years. While in Guilford he also coached basketball and worked with his students on countless fund raisers for class trips they took. Casey cared deeply for all the kids he worked with, but discovered he had a special talent working with those who were struggling in school for any number of reasons. This led Casey to his next role at the Meadows School at the Brattleboro Retreat where he served as teacher, guidance counselor, and principal. After 14 years at the Meadows School, he took the position as principal of Saint Michael's. Casey finished his career in education at Vermont Adult Learning, where he helped young adults find a path to reach their goals when traditional environments didn't meet their needs.

A well-respected teacher and principal, throughout the years many of his former students kept in communication with him. Casey had a positive impact and long-standing influence on many of his students and colleagues due to his teaching style and genuine interest in their success.

For several years he was actively involved in the Greater Brattleboro Men's softball and basketball leagues. Of his other pastimes and interests, he was an avid reader, enjoyed watching all sports, and most of all enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. A special joy was vacationing to Sandbridge Beach, VA with family and friends.

Casey was a communicant of Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church.

On March 2, 1979, in Brattleboro, with family and friends in attendance, he was married to Patricia "Patty" MacLean who survives.

Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 42 years he leaves: one son, Gregory Montgomery of Brattleboro; one sister, Marcia Hanson (Jeff) of Sacramento, California; three brothers, Martin and Barry, both of Brattleboro, and David of Dubai, UAE; sisters-in-law, Debra Bozetarnik of Putney, Gerry Hines of Jacksonville, FL, Janice D'alia of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Judith Wisell (Gordon) of Brattleboro, and Jean MacLean of Brattleboro; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Additionally, he leaves his beloved Springer Spaniel, "Hershey."

Casey was predeceased by his mother and father as well as several aunts and uncles.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (1/8/2022) at 1:00 P.M. at Saint Michael's Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Casey's name may be made to:

Northern Vermont University, Development Office, NVU-Johnson, 337 College Hill, Johnson, VT 05656; or Dartmouth Hitchcock/Geisel Office of Development, One Medical Center Drive, HB 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001.

Casey's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all those who served as his caregivers for the last five years and to his longtime friend Jim Bedard who visited Casey and Pat every week. A special thank you to John Cummings who was to donate one of his kidneys to Casey, but due to Casey's failing health it was determined that the surgery not take place.

To share a memory or send condolences to the family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.

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Published by The Brattleboro Reformer on Jan. 5, 2022.