Paul Casalese

Paul Casalese, 96, a longtime Norwalk resident, died peacefully in his sleep on May 17, 2009 at the Laurel Ridge Health Care Center in Ridgefield.

Born Constantino Paul Casalese on June 22, 1912, he was the son of the late Guiseppe Casalese and Constantina Tomasetta Casalese. One of seven children, he was predeceased by two brothers, Salvatore and Joseph Casalese and four sisters, Susie Deilus, Mildred Casalese, Theresa Covello and Marie Carder.

He is survived by Grace, his wife of 70 years, two daughters, Diane Tuozzolo of Boca Raton, FL., and Paulette Williams of Ridgefield, CT., two granddaughters, Teisha Ann Gustafson of Hartford, Michigan and Diana Casey of Manassas, Virginnia and two great grandchildren, Lauren Grace Gustafson and Ciaran Paul Casey.

Born and raised in Norwalk, he enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 and saw duty aboard the light cruiser, USS Marblehead. He owned and operated Paul''s Barber Shop on Main Street for more than 25 years and enjoyed a very happy retirement which included trips to Europe, the Carribean Islands, California, yearly vacations in Florida with his grandchildren and working in his garden.

Paul was a loving, kind and gentle man who will be missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 24th, at 11:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on East Avenue in Norwalk. Interment will be privately held at a later date.