Curtis Casey Obituary

Curtis Casey
September 20, 1939 - September 22, 2021
Granite Bay, California - Heaven gained a new choir director, pianist and vocalist with the passing of Curtis Edward Casey on September 22, 2021. He died peacefully at the age of 82 at his home in Granite Bay.
Born in El Dorado, Kansas – a stone's throw from Wichita – Curtis moved to Sacramento with his parents in 1950. He graduated in 1957 from Sacramento High School, where he served as student body president, ran track and sang in the a cappella choir. He realized his gift for and love of music early in life, singing in the church and as a member and soloist of a television choir from the eighth grade through college.
Curtis graduated from the University of the Pacific Music Conservatory with degrees emphasizing voice, composition and conducting. He earned his master's degree in education from Sacramento State, which paved the way for his career as a school administrator.
An educator at heart, Curtis served as a middle school vice principal in Sacramento before taking on roles as school principal in St. Helena, Roseville and Gridley. But it was his time spent as teacher and choir director at C.K. McClatchy High School in the late 1960's and 1970's that were some of the most fulfilling of his career. His passion for music and gift for mentoring youth made an indelible impact on his students, many of whom he remained in contact with throughout his life.
Curtis had an inquisitive mind, was a lifelong learner and a great conversationalist. He literally never met a stranger. He loved his bi-weekly lunch meetings with his "brunch bunch," coffee chats with dear friends, and visiting with his children, grandchildren and cousins. He and his wife Debbie enjoyed trips to the coast – Fort Bragg and Moss Landing were favorites – and traveling the country to learn more about his family history.
He loved watching old westerns and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers. He also loved cheering on his children as they advanced in their careers and his grandchildren as they hit athletic, personal and educational milestones of their own.
Curtis is survived by his wife Debbie Casey, son Geoffrey Casey (Marijune), daughter Jennifer Whitty (Christian), and his beloved grandchildren, Will and Piper Whitty.
He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Rhonda Casey, as well as his parents Ivan Eldon and Mona Casey.
If you would like to honor Curt's memory, please consider making a donation to the C.K. McClatchy High School Music Program to help provide private voice and music coaching to students in the program. Checks should be made payable to C.K. McClatchy Music Boosters and mailed to C.K. McClatchy High School, 3066 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818, Attention: Jorge Muñoz.
A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

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

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Oct. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Casey

11 Entries

Bruce Kimbrell

August 13, 2023

A most excellent teacher, mentor and student advocate.

Don L. Stockett

April 11, 2022

Celebration of the life of Curtis E. Casey will take place at Eastlawn Cemetery, 4300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, on Saturday. May 7, 2022. at 11:00 a.m.

Geoffrey T McLennan

April 10, 2022

What a wonderful man! I came to know Curt as a tenor in his choir at Shepherd of Sierras Church in Loomis. We shared breakfasts for years in Roseville and most notably, Curt acted as a mentor when I was challenged at work. He had a great sense of humor and kept conversations going with whacky stories about such and such. Blessings to all and family, and I will carry a tune in his honor.

Michael Vasi

November 9, 2021

Mr. Casey was my choir teacher at Peter Lassen Jr High. He was a better angel with out a doubt.

Edward Lewis

October 19, 2021

As a student on the 70´s, I was inspired to experience music in various ways. He was a gift to us through his talent and enthusiasm. Our early morning Madrigal sessions were fun and full of life. We, the concert choir, sang for a governor´s prayer breakfast. In competitions at Golden Empire, we achieved awards. I think of him often and will remember him in my prayers. Peace to you all!

Don L. Stockett

October 18, 2021

We loved you Curt. You were a great man and the world is emptier without you in it. Rest In Peace.

Cindy Lewis

October 7, 2021

Mr. Casey was my principal at Crestmont Elementary School in Roseville. He was such a kind man and very gifted musically. I have many fond memories of him. When I was in the hospital after surgery, he came and visited me. I thought that was very sweet. He was a great boss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Mary Ellen Chaboya

October 6, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Casey hired me for my very first ever teaching job in Roseville. I recall during one of the Crestmont staff meetings he played The Wind Beneath Our Wings and it was so beautiful.

Damon Schwartz

October 5, 2021

Debbie, family, and friends of Curtis Casey:

The notice in the Bee is a lovely biographical tribute to Curtis's memory. I presume there are many hundreds of students whose lives were touched, enhanced, or enriched by Curtis Casey. As high school vocal music students and choir members (fifty years ago!), we had affection and respect for Mr. Casey. We knew he cared about us as much as he cared about the music. But later, as adults, friends, and peers of his, our understanding and appreciation of his uniquely identifiable attributes of sensitivity and simple, embracing humanity supported a much richer and deeper awareness of the things which constitute a first-class teacher and human being. Reading his story reconfirms his remarkable humility and his utter commitment to sharing the gift of music -- especially choral and vocal ensemble music -- with his students and with the audiences for whom they performed. He understood high school kids -- and he loved them anyway! His desire to remain connected to his students for decades beyond their graduations speaks to an exceptional dimension of love -- for his work, and for those entrusted to his tutelage. I'm saddened for your loss but also moved and gratified by his legacy, which remains utterly present and tangible in many of us. Our experience and memories at CK McClatchy High are profoundly anchored in Mr. Casey's presence and influence.

Nina Vigil

October 4, 2021

Curtis was the choir director at CKM when I 1st started teaching there. He had such a tremendous program going. He was generous with advice and background of the school. He moved on shortly after, but his legacy of excellence lived on. He was one of those teachers that students and novice teachers like me, will always remember fondly.

Carol Walden

October 3, 2021

Mr. Casey was the Peter Lassen Jr High Choir Director for some years in the early 60s. I look back now and realize how young he was. Maybe 23 or 25 years old? He was such a great teacher and conductor. And, we were a really, really good choir.

I was in Mr. Casey's class November 22, 1963 when a knock on the door brought the news that the President had been shot. Mr. Casey's shoulders slumped, as if he had lost his breath. We didn't know yet that the President was gone. Mr. Casey turned to us with tears in his eyes. It was such a quiet day. It is my indelible memory of Mr. Casey.

He was a wonderful human being.

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