Casey J. Handfield

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Casey J. Handfield, 49, of Auburn, on Monday, February 10, 2025. He passed peacefully while surrounded by his loving family, in the comfort of his home after a battle with Neuroendocrine Cancer.
Casey leaves his beloved wife of 26 years, Andrea M. (Griffin) Handfield; his cherished children, Julia E. Handfield and Griffin J. Handfield; his loving parents, James and Helen (DiAntonio) Handfield; his brother and best friend, Corey Handfield and his wife Lauren; his loving sister, Christin DiPadua and her husband Matthew; his beloved nieces and nephews: Gianna, Zachary, Mattea, Daniel, Kaelynn; and great-niece, Kennedy Casey; along with many wonderful friends, colleagues, pupils, and those whose lives have been touched by Casey.
He was born in Milford, the oldest son of James and Helen Handfield, and grew up in Auburn. Casey was educated in the Auburn Public Schools and graduated from Auburn High School in 1993, where he was a three-sport athlete, in Football, Baseball, and Basketball. He then completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Liberal Arts (with a concentration in social studies education for grades 5 – 12) at Assumption College (now University) in Worcester, graduating in 1997. Casey, a lifelong student, then completed his Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on gifted and talented education, at the University of Connecticut. He did this while teaching Social Studies at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden; Casey was very proud of his accomplishment through the years, which also included a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS).
In 2001, Casey filled the vacant Assistant Principal position at Wachusett, and after one year, was offered the position full-time – he served from 2001 to 2005 as AP, prior to becoming Principal of Auburn High School. Casey was a much-loved Principal during his 20 years at AHS, and truly believed in his students and faculty to create a safe, happy, and functional educational environment. His passion for education was palpable, and it made for a wonderful experience for many students. Most recently, Casey served as Principal at Quaboag Regional High School in Warren, until his early retirement due to his illness.
Casey also was a football coach in the Auburn schools for many years, and served as Past President of Auburn's Pop Warner Youth Football and Cheer. He was always very active in his children's sports and activities during their middle and high school careers, and loved to see them succeed.
In his free time, Casey could be found playing the saxophone, listening to Elvis Presley, or, his favorite, spending cherished moments with his family, by whom he will be deeply missed.
His family would like to thank his daughter Julia, for her dedication to his round-the-clock care during this difficult time. She was truly his guardian angel. They would also like to thank the fantastic team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and VNA Care Hospice. Their efforts were unmatched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Quaboag Regional High School Scholarship Fund, 284 Old West Brookfield Rd., Warren, MA 01083, or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give).
Calling hours will be held from 2 – 6 PM on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Monday February 17th at St. Peter's Church, 931 Main Street, Worcester – kindly proceed directly to church, please. Burial will be held privately for the Handfield family.