Michael F. Casey

Michael F. Casey lost his lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease on Oct. 20, 2020. 

Mike was born in May 1961 to Joe and Joan Casey in Southwest Philadelphia.  He attended St Francis De Sales grade School where he ran track and played basketball.  He then attended West Catholic High School for Boys, where he did everything from Football, Community Service Corps to Basketball manager.  Mike graduated in 1980, but was still very active in the West Catholic Alumni Association; he was proudest of his being involved with the annual Burrs at the Beach reunion.

Then in September of 1983 he met and married the love of his life Marianne. They were blessed with their son Daniel in 1985.  Mike was an amazing husband and dedicated father.  During these years Mike worked at Nazareth Hospital.  He coached baseball & basketball at Torresdale Boys Club; Mike even learned to ice skate so he could help with coaching his son Dan’s team. Youth hockey became another passion in his life; Mike earned his Masters in Coaching whilst a member of USA Coaching Association.  It was during this time that during one of his son’s hockey camps that he met one of his mentors, former NHL coach Bob Hartley.  Hartley coached the Colorado Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in 2001 and is still coaching in Europe.  Bob & Big Mike continued their friendship even as Bob moved to Europe to coach.  Showing the lasting effect Mike had on Bob, that when he became aware of Mike’s illness & passing, Bob reached out to Dan & Marianne to let him know how much he admired Mike.

He worked at Thomas Jefferson as a critical care technician for 20 years as well as being an EMT and volunteering for Burholme and Rhawnhurst ambulance companies. He was always willing to help people.  Schooling continued for Mike, always wanting to better himself for his family.  While raising his son, working full time and coaching he also attended and graduated from Bucks County Community College.  Continuing his education, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Sports Science in 2014 from the United States Sports Academy.  As a member of the Ancient Order Of Hibernians Division 39, he received the Certificate of Excellence in 2005. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary where, after a short time, he became Vice Commander.

Mike started to show signs in 2015 that something wasn’t right physically. Being a stubborn Irishman, it took him two years to go to the neurologist to become diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  We don’t want Mike’s life to be defined by this disease but it was what his life became over the last 5 years.  We will remember him for his smile, his kindness, his stupid sense of humor, the silly faces he made and his need to refer to himself as Magic Mike while dancing!  I would annoy him with snapchat filters in the last few years and he would say "I am only here for  your entertainment!"   

He loved U2, Pink Floyd, Classic Rock, and attending Jimmy Buffett concerts with his wife and fellow Parrotheads.  In 2017 he gained a daughter in Cait after she married his son Dan.  He loved Cait like she was his own daughter.

Some of Mike’s toughest challenges came in 2020.  Even though it was spent in hospitals & rehabilitation facilities, he continued to fight.  His greatest joy came on October 3, 2020 with the birth of his Grandson, Shane.  Even though Mike and Shane never met in person, they did connect via FaceTime.  Their first encounter was memorable as Mike was beaming with joy like the proud grandpa he is.  He will be missed terribly by his family, cousins and friends “The Brew Crew” and his “Delco Girls”

So Cheers Mike!  "May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back.  May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields.  And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.  May God Bless and keep you safe until we meet again."

He was a beloved husband to Marianne (nee Misnik), devoted father to Daniel (Cait), grandfather to Shane, brother to Patricia Searles (Gordon), brother-in-law to Thomas 'Moose' Misnik, Bob (Bonnie) Misnik and Joe 'Hersh' (the late Theresa) Misnik.  Loving Uncle to Jennifer, Tim, Amanda and Joe.  He leaves behind many beloved cousins and friends. 

Mike was proud of his Irish heritage and was a proud member of AOH Division 39, the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the West Catholic Alumni Association. 

Mike enjoyed his family and friends, the beach, all the Philly sports teams, his Irish roots and a cold beer. 

His family will greet friends on Friday at 9 AM at St. Katherine of Siena Church, 9700 Frankford Ave.  His Funeral Mass will be at 10 AM.  Instead of formal wear, Mike would love it if you would wear your Irish green, West Catholic colors, Villanova or your favorite Philly sports team attire. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or West Catholic Alumni Assoc. or just raise an ice cold Miller Lite to Mike.
 

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