David Casserly

1957 - 2022

Dave Gerard Casserly
March 3, 1957 - January 22, 2022
Our brother, David Casserly, is finally at peace.

Four years of unimaginable pain and suffering came to an end on an unusually bright winter morning, Saturday, Jan. 22, when Dave went home to be with his God. He was 64.

Always a most devoted son, he is now reunited with his mother, Irene, who left us just 10 months ago.

Dave was a good, kind and decent man, the best of what it means to be a Casserly. He possessed razor-sharp wit, an astute, clever mind, and a sweet, generous heart. He was universally liked – by nearly everyone he met.

Dave spent his early years with his five siblings in the Sunset District, attending St. Gabriel's School and Riordan High. He received a bachelor's in business from San Francisco State. Dave then settled into a 30-year career with PG&E, where he served as a gas estimator and made dozens of cherished friends.

A true Renaissance man, Dave's interests and passions ran the gamut. He was as comfortable at high tea or a museum exhibit as he was at rowdy 49ers games. You could frequently find him at a flea market or estate sale searching for that elusive find. With his discerning eye and eclectic taste, he accumulated a robust collection of 1940s and '50s memorabilia.

From an early age, Dave had a keen eye for beauty. He was the overseer of good taste in our family and always offered honest and blunt opinions. Without any guide, he developed an appreciation for the finer things. He even acquired a rather discerning palate despite our Hamburger Helper upbringing.

Music was an essential part of his life. He amassed a huge collection of LPs, representing a variety of genres. A rock 'n' roll aficionado, Dave was an avid concert-goer, attending hundreds of musical performances throughout the years. In 2020, he attended six Robin Trower concerts up and down the state during one 10-day period.

A lover of all things Irish, Dave often said that after visiting Ireland in the early 1980s, he had come home. Captivated by the lush countryside, lively, inspiring culture and the gregarious warmth of the Irish people, he would return five times.

Family was at the forefront for Dave. He enjoyed a loving, unique relationship exclusive to each sibling. He was an empathetic link connecting us. He made us laugh and made us better people.

Kids gravitated to Dave. He had an endearing ability to tap into a child's imagination and was an engaging, animated storyteller. A big, gruff guy, he was known to play a feisty game of Barbies with his niece or share weight-lifting tips with his nephews. He was especially integral in the upbringings of Joseph, Michela, Devin, Fiona and Kiera and was a larger-than-life presence in their world.

Dave is survived by his devoted siblings: Irene, Joan, Rose, Pat and Marty as well as in-laws Louie, Paul, Ellen and Emilia. He was also the beloved ""Uncle Dave"" to Alaina, Alex, Patrick, Liam, Sean, Colin, Aidan, Kyle and Madison. He leaves behind cousins John Schiebold and many other cousins and friends.

His last four years were spent living with a merciless, aggressive prostate cancer and a slew of complications. We watched our courageous brother endure invasive procedures, lengthy hospital stays and crushing setbacks. He handled it the way he conducted his life – with quiet resiliency and bravery.

It was through this devastating journey Dave finally discovered how strong he was, how wise he was and how deeply he was loved.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, followed by a Rosary at 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. the following day, Friday, Feb. 11. All services will be held at St. Gabriel's Church, 2559 40th Ave., San Francisco.