Peter A. Casale

Peter A. Casale, 57, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., died July 20, 2011, in Florida.

He was born in Southington, on Jan. 13, 1954, the son of the late Evelyn (Mauro) Casale and the late George Casale. In his earlier years he was a member of the Southington Fire Department and a certified emergency medical technician and recently owned his own landscaping business. He was a devoted member of the American Legion in Florida and an active member of the Cooking Club of America and an avid New York Yankees fan. His cherished past-times included watching Yankees baseball and '49ers' football, gourmet cooking, the ocean and the beach, frequent trips to Dunkin' Donuts and The Carousel with his brother Richard, countless visits, conversations and laughs with his sisters Mary Pat and Susan, spending quality time with his daughter, Audra, and her children Sabrina, Madelynn, Olivia and Marco and his daughter Jennifer, whose first child is due around his birthday in January, and above all endless cherished moments with his sister Maggie, who, he said many times, he loved more than life itself. He also loved Big Band music and was more often than not, when visiting at Mom and Dad's, caught singing with a voice that would truly have surprised the world.

In addition to his two daughters, Audra Testa, of Southington, and Jennifer Makula and husband Joshua, of Bristol, he is survived by four brothers, George Casale and wife Marlene, of Omaha, Neb., Richard Casale and wife Linda, of Southington, Thomas Casale and wife Debra, of Southington, and Robert Casale and wife Teri, of Bristol; five sisters, Mary Pat Varano and husband David of Elgin, S.C., Susan Casale Bourret, of Southington, Elizabeth Cook and husband Michael, of Columbia, S.C., Evelyn Milo and husband Guy, of Plantsville, and Margaret "Maggie" Casale, of Southington. He also leaves behind his beloved cousin Eleanor Burdette, of Southington; his beloved nephew Brandon Becker, of Southington; many other nieces and nephews; as well as his former wife and friend Denise Casale. He was predeceased by his brother Michael Casale Sr. and his nephew Michael Casale Jr.

Calling hours will be Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Della Vecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, with a Mass to be held Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St., Southington. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Bread for Life, P.O Box 925, Southington, CT 06489.