Casimir Banaszek, Jr.
Casimir Banaszek, Jr., resident of Petaluma, passed away peacefully after a seven-month battle with cancer on Wednesday, December 4th, 2019, at age 74. Mourning his loss are his wife of 52 years, Diann; daughter Jennifer and son-in-law JonPaul; son Casimir, III and daughter-in-law Heather; brother Ken; grandchildren Emma, Gabby, Jane, and William, and countless nieces and nephews. Casimir is preceded in death by his parents, Casimir and Dorothy, sisters Marion and Barbara, brother Martin, and grandson Casimir IV (C.J.).
Cas was born October 24, 1945 in Chicago, IL, where he attended Gordon Technical High School, and graduated from Northwestern University. Banaszek was selected by San Francisco in the first round (11th overall) of the 1967 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 11-year career with the 49ers (1967-77), appearing in 120 games (112 starts). Banaszek, a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 1968, is also a member of the 10-Year Club, which honors all players who spent ten-or-more years with the 49ers and is one of 51 players to have joined this exclusive fraternity. He was proud to have been Right Tackle on the offensive line known as "The Protectors" celebrated for their single season record of allowing just eight sacks. Cas was also named to Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.
Following his playing career, Banaszek spent two seasons coaching the Cal Bears offensive line. And in 1981, he was proud to be assistant offensive line coach for the Forty Niners first Super Bowl XVI Championship.
After settling in Petaluma in 2001, Cas used his teaching degree from Northwestern University to volunteer as the PE teacher at his grandchildren's elementary school, Meadow. Known to all as Coach B, he quickly became an icon on campus by creating mutually respectful relationships with children and staff and making everyone feel special and loved. After the death of his grandson C.J., Cas would often be found sitting on the bench at the memorial C.J. Garden on campus and chatting with teachers. At the end of the last school year, students were given a survey and asked what they loved about Meadow. As the answers were tallied, Meadow's Principal wasn't shocked to see how so many of the children simply wrote, "Coach B."
Services for Cas Banaszek will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25 at St. Saint Vincent de Paul Church, 35 Liberty Street, Petaluma, CA 94952.
All are welcome to participate in a Celebration of Life reception following the service from 12:00–3:00 pm at Petaluma Golf & Country Club, 1500 Country Club Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer: Alex's Lemonade Stand memorial page, https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/2041861 or mail to 111 Presidential Blvd, Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 and reference Casimir Banaszek Jr. Memorial.

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

Published by Press Democrat on Jan. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Casimir Banaszek

Sponsored by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory - Petaluma.

10 Entries

Kenneth Russell Barber II (Joondeph)

August 16, 2024

Cas was my brother-in-law, marrying my sister Diann, I was the "ring burier" in their August 1967 wedding.

Proud of my brother being a 49er

God bless you.

Jack McSweeney

August 22, 2021

Watched Caz play at Kezar and Candlestick stadiums .... Then spent many nights at his bar The
Tar n Feathers in Palo Alto.... Caz and his brother were there most night.... 73 now and still my favorite Bar Days.... Sorry to hear of Caz `s passing

Ted Chamberlain

December 19, 2020

I went to ETHS and played on the baseball team. In 1969, Mr. Banasek coached us as part of his studies at Northwestern. We were in awe of him since he played football for Northwestern. What a great guy. Great sense of humor. I am 69 now and was sad to hear of his passing.

Daniel Banaszek

February 16, 2020

So sorry for your loss. I wish I would have met casimir.
I believe he was related to my late father. Stanley banaszek jr.

Sabrina Gallo

February 2, 2020

So sorry for your loss ... my mother was Barb Wings best friend... we were all very close , great memories Sabrina M Henke

Fred Durler

January 23, 2020

Diann, it has been many years since Ive seen you in person. I will always cherish the early morning golf memories of playing with Marty, Papa B, Casmir (Butch to me) at various golf courses in the northern Chicagoland subrbs. Im finding it very difficult emotionally losing Marty and Cas in the same year. Seeing your family at Barbara and Martys boys weddings was a treat for us . You and Caz surely raised a great family. We have wonderful memories to cherish.

Fred & JeanDurler
Mt. Prospect, IL
[email protected]
Cell Ph: 847-703-7913

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Tanya Cecchin

January 21, 2020

It was an honor to know Cas. When I first met him, I thought it was exciting to meet a 49er (look at that super bowl ring!!), and 5 minutes later I realized that the gift of knowing him had nothing to do with his many accomplishments, but rather the warm, positive feeling you felt just being in his presence. It was as if no one else was in the room when he spoke to you. I can still feel our last hug. My life is better for having known him. Rest in peace with CJ

Mark Greenwood

January 19, 2020

Cas was a great man! As an owner he treated us kindly and like we were part of his team. I always enjoyed serving him his Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc when he and Diann would visit us on Friday nights. The night of the grand opening in Napa is one of my fondest memories of opening a restaurant. He will be missed. I know him and C.J. sure are enjoying this Niners season from above. Thanks for all the memories. My thoughts and condolences go out to the Banaszek family & all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Fare thee well. Forever Faithful

January 13, 2020

My run with "The 49er Faithful" started in 1970, and those Niner teams from the early '70s were some of my favorites. Cas, along with Forrest, Randy, Woody, Len, and Elmer, comprised a legendary unit that brought great pride and confidence to their coaches, teammates, and fans.

Thanks for all of the great play and memories, Cas. The Faithful will never forget! Rest in Peace.

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