Casey Michalek

Our beloved Casey Michalek died 21 years young from traumatic brain injuries sustained in a one-motor-vehicle accident.

He was a life resident of Kingston, born in Nesbitt Hospital on March 15, 1995. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School in Luzerne and went on to St. Nicholas/St. Mary's and Holy Redeemer High School, both located in Wilkes-Barre.

Casey was currently employed by Turkey Hill in Plains Township, where he put a smile on his co-workers' and customers' faces, who would often come in just to visit him. He was pursuing a career in advertising & promotion management at Luzerne County Community College.

Casey was an avid music lover who frequented concerts with his close-knit group of friends who had stood by each other through thick and thin since childhood. He enjoyed shopping and was always one trend ahead of current fads, not only in fashion but also in music. Casey also took joy in vacationing, especially when visiting Aruba and New York City with his Aunt Barb, cousin Breanne and godmother Jenny.

Among many other things, Casey loved sushi, hoodies, money, dreaming big, singing, his dog Ty, cats Quinn and Luna, sleeping, reading, writing, traditions and talking about memories. He had the best memory and was often called "too smart for his own good." While at home, Casey was rarely without his cherished yellow blankey that he loved since infancy.

Casey was involved in many activities throughout his life, including Kingston baseball and soccer, Sacred Heart basketball, Chacko's Bowling League, Wyoming Valley West diving, KISS Theater, Swoyersville Music Box, Wilkes-Barre Little Theater, piano lessons by Linda Houck, altar serving and leader of song for Sacred Heart Church in Luzerne and working at his first job for the Kingston Recreation Center Parks Committee.

Other than the two most important people in Casey's life, his sister, Morghan, and brother, Timothy, whom he put on a pedestal, Casey is survived by his mother, Christa Michalek; father, James Valenti; Nana Carol Michalek, who was like a second mother to him; Gram Irene Valenti; Great-Gramma who he admired greatly, Josephine Michalek; Pop-Pop Joseph Michalek; Great-Grandfather Joseph Michalek Sr.; uncles, Jeremy Michalek (who was also Casey's godfather), and Jason Michalek, whose son was Casey's favorite Cousin Eli; aunts, Heidi Michalek and Candice and Karina Valenti; and many more extended family members and friends. Casey also had a half-brother, Tyler, and half-sister, Julia.

Casey was given his last sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by the Rev. Bendik and the Rev. Kearney.

Casey's family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the members of the Geisinger ICU medical staff, Wilkes-Barre, who took great care of him during his three-day stay on life support. A special heartfelt thank you to Jocelyn Berg from the Gift of Life Donor Program, whose kindness and sensitivity was incredibly appreciated. Casey was one of less than two percent of all people who are able to be an organ donor. His once-in-a-lifetime personality and beautiful soul will live on through the people he saved by giving them the selfless gift of life.

An open-door memorial Mass will be held in Holy Family Church, Bennett Street, Luzerne, at 10 a.m. Saturday. Church doors will open at 9 a.m.

A celebration of Casey's life will take place at the Kingston American Legion, Wyoming Avenue, after Mass at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to come together in memory of his mother's "little man" who was truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Arrangements were made by Lehman-Gregory Funeral Home, Chapel Street, Swoyersville.