Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gene Casciola Obituary
CASCIOLA
GENE A.
Age 63, of South Fayette Twp., on Monday, August 12, 2002, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband for 42 years of Florine (Markovich) Casciola; loving father of Gene Michael Casciola and his wife Sheila of Weddington, NC, and Lynn Seles and her husband Jim of Mars, PA; adored grandfather of Jordan Seles, Anthony Casciola, Paige, Andrew and Marissa Seles; brother of Gerry Adair and her husband Jim of S. Fayette Twp. Gene was a retired music teacher for 35 years at Carlynton School Dist. and a very accomplished musician for over 50 years. He was recently inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame located in Cleveland, OH. Some of his more memorable accomplishments included playing with the Bobby Vinton Orchestra as well as Boots Randolph. Friends received Thurs. 2-9 pm in the BOGAN-WOLF FUNERAL HOME, 430 Washington Ave., Bridgeville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Fri. 10 am in St. Agatha Church of Holy Child Parish. The family has requested everyone to please meet at the Church on Fri. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Tod Children's Hospital, 500 Gypsey Lane, Box 240, Youngstown, OH 44504, or Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western PA, 555 Grant St., Ste. 425, Pgh, PA 15219.
www.woodrufffamilyservices.com
Please sign the guest book at post-gazette.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marco Panebianco
September 1, 2002
To Florine, Gene Michael, Lynn and Gerry,
I'm so far from your place, but I feel always close to your broken hearts. All my italian family is close to you all. Gene, like Flo, is one of my dear American cousins, so he's part of my heart, of my life. I shared with him not so many days, but I still remember all the moments we stay together in America. I loved his music and I'm still listening his tape in my stereo. I hope that our both families, in Italy and in Usa, will stay always more and more and more close each other. We came out from the same person and the life is more beautiful if we stay united. No distance, no busy day, no job, no sad day have to divide us!! I REALLY LOVE YOU ALL
Yours italian cousin
Marco Panebianco
Via delle Madonnine, 30
05100 Terni, Italy
Nick & Fay Urick
August 25, 2002
Florine, Our prayers are with you and your family. Gene and his music will always be close to our hearts. We will always remember the good times. All our love, Nick and Fay.
Biearman Family
August 20, 2002
To Lynn and family:
We were so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dennis, Joyce & Christine Biearman
and Kate Stump
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Michael HANCZAR
August 18, 2002
To the family of Mr. "C",
Our sympathy go out to your family. Mr. C was a wonderful teacher who installed the love of music in me and hundreds of his students. His patience in helping struggling student musicians was amazing. May he continue to play that sax in heaven--memory eternal.
Bruce & Carolyn Boocks
August 18, 2002
To Florine and family. We were so saddened to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Bruce and I will never forget all the great times we had following "Gene" all around Pa. He made my husband learn how to polka and his favorite song was "Slap Happy Polka."
Every weekend it was somewhere different, Large, Library, Moon Twp. VFD and etc. The great times up Fort Cherry CC with Gene and Boots Randolph. All the New Years Eve and Halloween dances.
Gene was a great person and Bruce and I have wonderful memories of him and all the "good times" we shared.
I know you and your family will cherish all your wonderful memories with him. Please accept our sympathy and you'll be in our prayers.
My parents, John and Cecelia Marencel send their love to all of you.
John A. Remark
August 17, 2002
Long time admirer of Gene's music espically at the Sygan Club
Paul Smith
August 15, 2002
My heartfelt sympathies to Mrs.Casciola and family. Gene was my teacher in high school, and he tought us well. As I got older, I became a Disc Jockey. One of my fondest memories was back in 1992 when I was the DJ for a wedding in Canonsburg. The Groom's mother told me I would be sharing the stage with a Polka Band......much to my surprise it was Mr.C. and his band "Sax Fifth Avenue". What a wonderful time we had at that wedding, with Gene playing favorites like "Just Because" and "Spike's Polka", and his special rendition of "Yakety Sax".
May you rest in peace Gene, and may God Bless You. Heaven has the best Sax player from Western Pa.
Paul Smith
Carlynton High School Class of 1980
Rich & Gina Mechtel
August 15, 2002
We are shocked and sad to hear of Gene's passing. Some of the best of times for us was growing up in the '50s when we rode the rumble seat to Eat-n-Park, when you and Gene were in our wedding party, the many times Gene and I played in the polka band together,but especially those New Years eve gigs and playing at our wedding reception. If anyone was around Gene for any length of time, he was one of those people you never forget. We really had some good times together for which we will ever be grateful. Florine: our deepest sympathy to you and your family. With fond rememberances.
Theresa Sestili-Beck
August 15, 2002
I have great memories of Mr. Casciola from the early 60's, when he was the Band Instructor for our little Catholic grade school- St. Regis- in Oakland. He must have been fresh out of college, and we must have given him countless hours of frustration--there were 45 kids in that Band!(from 3rd-8th grade) He taught us so much, and we were always the highlight of the St. Patrick's Day parade. His sense of humor is what I remember most. He teased us, and made us laugh, and loved it when we gave it right back! It was a joyous experience! Sorry to hear of his passing.
Ed Gould (Larry Placek & The Tune Masters)
August 15, 2002
My prayers go out to the loving family of Gene for their loss.
I had the opportunity to meet Gene while playing music and always thought he was one of the best saxaphone and clarinet players ever!
Gene was one of the most talented and funniest musicians I have ever met. He was always good for making me laugh and offering encouragement.
He came to one of our band rehearsals (we were working on vocals to be recorded on our CD titled "In Memory Of" and only had one night to prepare). Gene kept us laughing and having fun until 12:30AM. He left and we finally started working on the recording. I often overheard Gene tell feinds and other musicians, "Placek's band rehearses like not other band I've never seen a band rehearse."
Gene, you will always be a part of that special recording. I will miss you. Thanks for your inspiration.
Keith Yanda
August 15, 2002
I was very saddened to hear of Gene's passing. Gene was a wonderful man, talented musician and teacher. He touched everyone's life he came in contact with and will be truly missed! My sincere condolences to his family.
Joe and Nancy (Zbalishen) Drobycki
August 14, 2002
We were very sad to hear of Mr. Casciola's illness and passing. As former band students of his, we will never forget his famous sayings like, "Drobycki,you old dog, you!" and "Keep the beat steady drummers!" When you messed up your part in practice, he would throw a full roll of paper towel at you and say, "Think fast!"
Thank you, Mr. C. You touched so many lives through your music and comical nature. God bless.
Rich Klock
August 14, 2002
My deepest sympathies go to Gene's family as I know he will truly be missed. Gene was a very talented musican and exceptional person. Our prayers are with you, Florine.
Rich Klock (Polka Quads) & Family
Wayne Casciola
August 14, 2002
We are deeply saddened to have heard of Gene's passing. Please accept our
condolences to his beloved family. We were happy to see Gene perform several years ago, and was truly one of the best Sax players in the business.
We will sadly miss him.
Wayne & Carrie Casciola (Canonsburg, Pa.
Shawn Carney
August 14, 2002
I was a band student of Gene’s in elementary and middle school. The lessons that he taught extended far beyond the classroom. My fondest memories of school is of band and Gene. He will be missed.
My condolences to the family.
Joe & Louise Winters
August 14, 2002
We were saddened to hear of Gene's passing. We danced to the sounds of his band back in the 70's; in fact, we still have some of his great polka albums!
We wish to express our sincere condolences to his family.
John & Bobbi McMullen
August 14, 2002
My wife told me stories of gene and the high school band camps,I had the privlege of meeting him later in life. We all will miss a genuine nice guy!!
BETTY KOST
August 14, 2002
I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. GENE WILL BE VERY MUCH MISSED BY MANY, MANY PEOPLE. WE ALL LOVED HIM.
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
LOVE
BETTY
Gina Piccolino
August 14, 2002
Our deepest sympathies.
Gina, Dino, Gabriella and Julia Piccolino
Mike Moyer
August 14, 2002
The Florine and Family, my prayer and thoughts go out to you. Gene was one of the nicest people to be around. I will remember the good times we spent in Seven Springs as well as the many times you and Gene put up the band overnight when we were in Bridgeville. We'll miss you, but your memories with be around for a long time.
Mike Moyer (Polka Quads)
Carmella Markovich
August 14, 2002
I will never forget you and your music and the way it touched my life. Thank you for a shot at stardom at the Oasis, hahaha, God must have needed a sax player for his big band in heaven.
Be sure and say hello to my mother and Jiggs and give them both a big hug and kiss for me.
Mark Hoffman
August 14, 2002
Gene was very influencial to me and all the guys I hung around with. He was my teacher and friend. As a matter of fact,I am now an elementary band director because of Mr. Casciola. May Gene rest in peace.
Carol Rubenstein Yahr
August 14, 2002
I taught Junior High English at Carlynton Middle School in the '70's with Gene. Everyone loved his unique sense of humor and his enthusiasm for music. His spirit is an eternal part of the Carlynton family of faculty and students.
Ken Salov
August 14, 2002
On behalf of my wife Nancy and our family we would like to express our deepest sympathy to you Florine and your Family on the passing of a truly wonderful husband, father and to myself a truly great guy. How can my wife and I ever forget the phone call at one in the morning that we received from Gene. We talk about that all the time. Florine, God Bless you and your family and always remember the great times you had with a wonderful person our friend Gene. May eternal light shine upon him now and forever. God Bless You, A friend Always The Ken Salov Family
John & Connie Salov---Polka Quads
August 14, 2002
As great a musician as he was, he was even a greater person. We will always remember Gene as a true friend and brother. Spending a weekend with Gene and his beautiful family at Seven Springs each year will be something we will never forget. Seven Springs Slovenian Weekend will never be the same. To Florine and family, our prayers are with you. To brother Gene: we love you.
Chuck McMillen
August 14, 2002
My Condolences to the Family.
Pat & Ron Otricelli
August 14, 2002
The Otricelli family,
Pat, Ron, Ted, Vanessa, erin, Matthew, Lou, & Stephanie
Gloria Jean & Lou DiFabio
August 14, 2002
We are saddened by the loss of a wonderful friend & a great musician.His warmth & easy-going personality will always be remembered as well as his interest & admiration for my keyboard ability. Gene will always be in our thoughts, especially on New Years Eve & at the Gene Fedorchak Music Revue. With our deepest & heartfelt sympathy, Gloria Jean & Lou
Arlene & Rich Urick
August 14, 2002
Our prayers and thoughts are with Florine and family. Our memories go back a long way with Gene. Our fun time at Nashville for a weekend to see Gene perform with Boots Randolph on stage. He will truly be missed by all of us as a friend and the greatest saxophone player we knew. We are sure he is making beautiful heavenly music now.
Denise E. Wilson
August 14, 2002
Remembering Gene. Denise E. Wilson
Margie Opp
August 14, 2002
I just heard about his death from a friend. We were both students at Carlynton High School when he was there. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May God be with you in this time of sorrow and the days and months ahead.
Margie (Green) Opp
Pasqualena Mitchell
August 14, 2002
My memories of the fun nights we all had listening to you play at the Oasis will live on forever. Rest In Peace - No more suffering or pain for you. From my heart to yours - Patty Ann
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Gene Casciola's name
How to support Gene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gene Casciola's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
