Thomas R Casey, 77, passed away peacefully in his home June 11, 2014, surrounded by his children. Born in Chicago, IL, September 7, 1936, he resided with his family in Norfolk, VA before eventually moving and sustaining residence in Virginia Beach until his death.
Tom started his life at sea working on local pilot boats at the age of 14. At 17 years old, he joined the Merchant Marines which afforded him the opportunity to travel the world on and off until the age of 50. In 1960, at age 23, he was drafted into the US Army. He completed jungle warfare training while stationed at Fort Davis in Panama, where he and his first wife, Ethel Casey, lived. It was around this time that he had his first daughter, Sharyn Joi. While in the Army, he acted as body guard for comedians Bob Hope and Jerry Colonna during their USO tour. From 1977 until his retirement in 2007, he worked as a certified rigger for Norshipco (BAE systems.) He was remarried in 1983 to the late Bernice Lucas and had 3 additional children, Rachel, Rebecca and Michael.
He had a selfless heart and vibrant spirit that many people were fortunate enough to experience. He enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing, telling good (and sometimes bad) jokes, as well as sharing stories of life and travel experiences with his friends and family. However, his greatest joy in life was his four children whom he loved unconditionally.
Tom was the son of the late Mary Rose and Francis Joseph Casey. He is survived by his four loving children, Michael Casey, Rebecca Casey, Rachel Casey and Sharyn Martini; grandson Zack Gamble; sisters, Mary Drew and Patricia Farrell; brothers, William (late) and Robert Casey; half- brother, Rey Nelson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.
The mass celebrating the extraordinary life of Thomas Robert Casey will be held June 20, 2014 at 2:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach 23462. There will be a reception at the church following the mass until 5:00 pm. Any memorial donations can be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation.
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When we lose a loved one here on earth,we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May the Lord bless and comfort all of you during this time of grief. Fond memories of your dad will always remain in your heart.
When I was 19, Tom took me in when I had nowhere to go. I lived in the two bedroom apartment he had with rose for about six months. He would let me sit at the breakfast bar and take shots of gold slogger with him. And he would lecture me about my problems with my father and the loser boyfriend I had. Even better were the memories of our youth, around the age of 10 or less. When Rachel would go into her (we’ll just call them) freak outs, and he would look at me and before he said anything I would know, as he would say, “it’s about that time”
you are missed Uncle Tom
When I was 19, Tom took me in when I had nowhere to go. I lived in the two bedroom apartment he had with rose for about six months. He would let me sit at the breakfast bar and take shots of gold slogger with him. And he would lecture me about my problems with my father and the loser boyfriend I had. Even better were the memories of our youth, around the age of 10 or less. When Rachel would go into her (we’ll just call them) freak outs, and he would look at me and before he said anything I would know, as he would say, “it’s about that time”
you are missed Uncle Tom
Tom Casey, more than a friend, he was like a brother. I met Buddy Hopson through Casey and we both shared in common the best friend you could hope for. Not only was he good to us but he excepted our families into his life as well. We fished together, camped together, and yes, drank a little scotch together. Before his knee issues when he was able to get around we were usually hanging out at his place, or mine, or at Tangos Tavern. We had an awesome friendship and the utmost respect for one another. When ever he came over for dinner he always brought something (desert, wine, sometimes even flowers for my wife), even after insisting he bring nothing. I used to take my son Tommy jr. to his apartment, he would cut up fresh fruit for him and would leave his vacuum cleaner out so Tommy could take it apart and pretend he was using it. We usually met up after work at Tangos, and if he got there first he would have a beer and a shot waiting for me. I truly miss the stories and the funny jokes he used to tell. At first l started to questioning some of the far out crazy stories he told, but it wasn’t long after l met some of his merchant marine and shipyard buddies (and Buddy Hopson) that l realized everything he told me, every story was true. But l can tell you without a doubt that Tom Casey lived and breathed for his children, nothing meant more to him, absolutely nothing. My heart goes out to Toms family. To my best friend, l love you brother, thank you for allowing me to be part of your life.
Tom Casey, more than a friend, he was like a brother. I met Buddy Hopson through Casey and we both shared in common the best friend you could hope for. Not only was he good to us but he excepted our families into his life as well. We fished together, camped together, and yes, drank a little scotch together. Before his knee issues when he was able to get around we were usually hanging out at his place, or mine, or at Tangos Tavern. We had an awesome friendship and the utmost respect for one another. When ever he came over for dinner he always brought something (desert, wine, sometimes even flowers for my wife), even after insisting he bring nothing. I used to take my son Tommy jr. to his apartment, he would cut up fresh fruit for him and would leave his vacuum cleaner out so Tommy could take it apart and pretend he was using it. We usually met up after work at Tangos, and if he got there first he would have a beer and a shot waiting for me. I truly miss the stories and the funny jokes he used to tell. At first l started to questioning some of the far out crazy stories he told, but it wasn’t long after l met some of his merchant marine and shipyard buddies (and Buddy Hopson) that l realized everything he told me, every story was true. But l can tell you without a doubt that Tom Casey lived and breathed for his children, nothing meant more to him, absolutely nothing. My heart goes out to Toms family. To my best friend, l love you brother, thank you for allowing me to be part of your life.