PHILIP CASASA Jr.

CASASA, Philip Thomas Jr., formerly of Portland, Maine, died July 1, 2011, after a long

battle with cancer. He died at home with his sister, Barbara, at his side. Tommy was born June 10, 1955, to Philip T. Casasa and Kathleen L. Casasa. He grew up in Portland and graduated from Deering High School in 1974. In recent years he worked at Cohen, Foster and Romine Law Firm in Tampa.

Tommy lived most of his life in Portland. He was on swim, soccer and softball teams. He was an excellent skier and enjoyed golf and gardening. He followed sports with a passion, often attending local boxing matches. He was well read and knowledgeable about many subjects. A conversation often turned to a lively debate on politics. A lifelong Democrat, he held the principles of justice and fairness for those less fortunate. He was known for his compassion and his quiet acts of kindness.

He moved to Tampa in 2003 and made his home with his sister, Barbara and her husband, Barry Cohen, making many new friends and enjoying an extended family. The entire Cohen (Barnett, Wright) family opened their arms and hearts and readily adopted Tommy, expanding his repertoire from baptisms to brises. He worked at the law firm of Cohen, Foster and Romine, where he met wonderful friends who also supported him throughout his illness. He had the unique opportunity to live close to his cousins, Judy, Jean, Kevin and Ralph OBrien of Clearwater, Fla., who were constant companions during his illness. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Parish. He was always a deeply religious person. Throughout the many challenges in his life, his faith remained steady and strong. Perhaps it isn't the gifts we are given that define us but the struggles and burdens which reveal our grace and dignity. Tommy's dignity, strength and sweetness were present even at the end. He will be missed as he was loved - greatly. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home Portland, Maine, and prayers will be recited there Friday followed by a Mass and Christian Burial at St Patrick's Church.

For full details and to sign Tommy's guestbook please visit Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, www.jonesrich

hutchins.com.