Thomas J. Casey
...Professional Diver, K of C, Tewksbury Water Dept.; 74
TEWKSBURY - Thomas James Casey, 74, affectionately known in Tewksbury as the “Mayor,”died Tuesday morning, Dec. 23, at his home after a courageous seven month battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Ruth M. “Chickie” (Bruce) Casey, with whom he had celebrated a53 year wedding anniversary this past May 7.
He was born in Charlestown, Aug. 4, 1929, a son of the late Thomas F. and Bridget (Joyce)Casey. He was raised in Charlestown, and moved to Winter Hill in Somerville, where he wasgraduated from Somerville High School. He moved to Tewksbury in 1954.
During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. He received many decorations includingtwo Purple Heart Medals for combat injuries.
Upon discharge from the Army, he began a career as a professional underwater diver. During histenure, he also worked as a rigger aboard the U.S.S. Constitution. He retired from the BostonNavy Ship Yard, holding a rare certification for Extreme Deep Water Diving. He then began asecond career, working for the Town of Tewksbury’s Water Department. He retired from townservice, and had since worked for Boutiettes’s Auto Body company in Tewksbury.
He was a devoted catholic, and served St. William’s Parish in many capacities. He was a Chartermember of the St. William’s Men’s Club, usher and general helper for many church projectsincluding Friday Bingo. He was a Past Grand Knight and member of the Board of Directors ofthe Fr. Coppen’s Council, Knights of Columbus, 4336. He was also a member of BishopDelaney Assembly, 4th Degree, Knights of Columbus.
He maintained membership in the D.A.V. Post 110, and the V.F.W. Post 8164, both inTewksbury. He was associated with the Charlestown School Boys, and in Earlier Years coachedthe Tewksbury Little League “Mets” team.He served on the Board of Voter Registration in Tewksbury, and was the Tewksbury SafetyOfficer before the position became a police department function.
But of all his accomplishments, his defining legacy will be his devotion to his family, his faith, andhis friends.
Besides his wife, he is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Thomas E. and Kathleen(Doherty) Casey of Tewksbury; four daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela J. and Robert Sullivan ofLowell, Laura A. and Ralph Patterson of Tewksbury, Carol J. and Michael Conwell of No.Andover, June L. and Scott Patterson of Tewksbury; one sister, Mary Murphy of Lexington; fourbrothers and five sisters-in-law, John and Ann Casey of Medford, Michael and Helga Casey ofVA, Paul and Ann Casey of Westfield, Edward and Carmella Casey of Lexington, Virginia Bruceof Billerica; eleven grandchildren, Justin and Amy Sullivan, Cristin, and Bridget Casey, MeganBrackett, Michael Casey, Troy and Casey Conwell, Callina, Brooke, and Scott Patterson,; dearfriend, Katherine Nickerson of Chicago, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also brother of the late James Casey, and brother-in-law of the late Raymond Murphy andKenneth Bruce.
His Funeral Mass was held Monday, Dec. 29, in St. William’s Church. Burialwith Army Honors was at St. Mary’s Cemetery, No. Tewksbury.
Memorials to S.M.M.C. CancerCenter, Hospital Drive, Lowell, MA 01852 will be appreciated.