Joseph Casalino Jr. (Joe)

1941 ~ 2023

Joseph Casalino Jr. (Joe), aged 81, passed away of pneumonia and complications of a broken arm on March 8, 2023 at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Born December 13, 1941 to Joseph Casalino Sr. and Angela Barone Casalino in Brooklyn, NY, he grew up in Forest Hills Gardens, Queens, NY and Asharoken Beach, Long Island, NY.

Joe was an avid artist, engineer, teacher, and welder. He was also well-known for his skills and passion for home improvement. He always had a project of some sort going on.

Joe's passion for welded steel began in 1963 while he was a graduate assistant in the sculpture department at Hofstra University. In 1964, Joe earned his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Hofstra, followed in 1975 by a Master's Degree in Humanities. Between 1967 and 1969, his sculptures were featured in multiple seasonal window displays at Bloomingdale's, and in one man shows at both Avanti Gallery and Firehouse Gallery. His piece 'Aicram' is on permanent collection at Fordham University.

He met his wife, Miki, in 1973 and they married in 1974. They moved to Salt Lake City in 1974, where Joe accepted his first tool and diemaker job. Miki started her ballet school, Casalino School of Creative Arts in 1975, for which he always built the annual recital sets. Joe accepted a plastic injection moldmaking position at Sorenson Research in 1978, where he continued through multiple acquisitions by Abbott Labs, Hospira, and ICU Medical, for 30 years. He retired in 2008 and returned full-time to his welded steel sculptures, which can be found at the Phillips Gallery, the Salt Lake Jewish Community Center, the Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills, NY and most recently donated to the Utah Arts Festival. His website https://theforgeslc.com has more examples of his work.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mikal (Miki) Casalino of Salt Lake City, UT, his sister Marie Casalino of NYC, NY, son Joseph (J.) Casalino III (Kate) of NYC, NY, his daughter and business partner Alesandra (Lexi) Casalino of NYC, NY, and his two husky dogs Maiya and Ragnar. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph (Joe) Casalino Sr. and Angela Barone Casalino, along with many beloved fur babies.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, March 17th at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2315 Redondo Ave, SLC, UT, 84108, followed by a reception (location TBD). For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed. Link can be found on Larkin Mortuary's obituary website. https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate in his memory to either the mikeroweWORKS Foundation – promoting skilled trades education and resources, or Ballet West – providing beauty and artistry to Salt Lake City. Both represent causes deeply ingrained in his heart.

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

Published by Deseret News from Mar. 13 to Mar. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Casalino

9 Entries

Kellee Goodwin Murdock

March 18, 2023

Sending my love and condolences on your loss.

Carrie

March 15, 2023

Joe was such an amazing person and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have met and gotten to know him better. He created a wonderful piece of metal artwork for me and I will treasure it always.

Kathleen Gardner

March 15, 2023

Lexi and Miki, I am so sorry that you've lost your dear Joe. May your memories of him sustain you at this difficult time.
Kathleen Gardner

Debbie Brown

March 14, 2023

What wonderfully talented and thoughtful man. Always kind, loving g his wife , children and pets. He was a great example of a positive influence to all. God bless.

Marie

March 14, 2023

I do not know the family but was intrigued by the obituary and went on to view his work on his website. There are no words to describe my experience. Thank you for including the website. What a tribute to Mr Casalino. May you as his family feel peace at this time.

Michelle Breinholt

March 14, 2023

Casalino family please accept my heartfelt condolence on the loss of Joe. He was a friendly, funny, talented man. The perfect dog dad for our Siberian Huskies. His innovated ways of containing them safely in your yard were admirable. He was the best.

Donna Glenn

March 14, 2023

What an accomplished person. I worked with Joe during his years at SAHI. I also went to one of his shows years ago displaying his metal works, what a talent. "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again."-MA. My sincere condolences to you all.

Sue Landis

March 14, 2023

My deepest condolences to you all. May his memory be a blessing.

Linda Fenton

March 14, 2023

Dear Miki, Lexi and family, my heartfelt condolences are being sent to you on the loss of Joe. I never met him but followed the many adventures and beautiful pieces of art that you Miki, posted for us to enjoy. He sounds like a wonderful husband and father. May you find peace as you cherish his memory in the days to come.

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