Jerry Casey

Casey, Jerome E. “Jerry”, 90 years young of West Hartford and Chatham, Cape Cod passed away peacefully, September 29, 2020 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford. He was the beloved son of Jerome A. Casey and Mary (Doran) Casey and his brother Robert who all predeceased him. He is survived by his adored daughter Cathleen Casey Suglia, her husband Lou of Harbour Island, Fl. and his beloved grandsons Christian and Gregg as well as many nieces and nephews. Jerry grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Hall High. While attending Hall and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Drum Corp. he appeared as a solo singer in a Church minstrel which led to his appearing in many minstrels, charity and benefit shows. Shortly thereafter, while at Hall, he auditioned and was hired by Milstein Entertainment and appeared as an emcee and singer at clubs around the state including the Lobster, Club Alden and Club Vasquez and continued until 1950 when his unit 745th, AAA Gun Bn. was federalized during the Korean War. After returning to civilian life he attended Nichols College, thanks to the G.I. Bill, was President of the Justinian Council, Chairman of the Annual Field Day and at graduation was the commencement speaker and was honored with the Class Orator Trophy and the Arthur Underhill Trophy, which exemplifies the best traditions of Nichols College. He was then employed by IBM and served in sales for 31 years retiring in 1986. He was an advisor to the Hartford Junior Achievement program for several years. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s Jerry was the head announcer at the United States Figure Skating Championships and the World Figure Skating Championships held at the Civic Center, now known as the XL Center. Starting in the 50’s, he became interested in birds and their migratory and feeding habits and enjoyed a number of guided Audubon trips on North and South Montomoy Islands and the inlets of Orleans, Cape Cod. Jerry considered it a good day when he could bring a smile or outright laughter to a family member, friend or strangers. During mid-life, Jerry developed a passion for playing tennis which continued for the rest of his life. After retirement he founded Jerry’s Tennis Camp at his beloved Chatham operating for over 26 years for his old and new friends and starlets alike. He was a member of Wychmere Tennis Club in Harwich, Hartford Tennis Club and Farmington Farms Tennis Club. He was an avid reader of mysteries, enjoyed a good movie, was a fan of UConn Men’s and Women’s basketball, and was a loyal fan of the NY Football Giants from the days of “Chuckin Charlie Conerly” in the 1950’s. As a member of the Old Guard he delivered meals to shut ins and was active in the VNA’s Meals on Wheels Programs. Funeral services and burial in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford were private. Public services will be held when Covid restrictions are lifted. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com