Thomas J. Casey

Thomas J. Casey, 89, longtime resident of East Hartford, recently of Glastonbury, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 26, 2012. He was born July 21, 1922 in Hartford a son of the late John F. and Helen (McGowan) Casey. Thomas was the beloved husband of Gertrude (Fournier), this year they would have celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Thomas was a devoted husband, father and grandfather; he cherished his wife and his family, he adored and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a communicant of and an usher at St. Rose Roman Catholic Church for many years, he was a member of the VFW, East Hartford Post. Thomas proudly served his country in the Army during World War II, he was a decorated veteran receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was a true patriot, always saluting the American whenever in its presence. Thomas worked many years as a postal clerk in Hartford. He will be remembered for his kind and compassionate soul, he was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Gertrude, his son John Thomas Casey and his wife Robin L. of East Hartford, his daughter Maureen A. Ericson and her husband Douglas N. of Newington, his treasured grandchildren; Cassandra and Dakota Eldridge and Kihan and Maia Ericson, close friend Al Antiuk, his caregiver Nancy Davis and his caregivers at Mt. Laurel in Glastonbury. He will also be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews and by his extended Fournier and Casey families.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was predeceased by his brothers, John, James, Joseph and Charles Casey, and his sister Helen Maudsley.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent in memory of Thomas to FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT. 06002.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, May 1st, from 5-8:00PM, at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT 06108. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 2nd, at 9:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00AM in St. Rose Roman Catholic Church, 33 Church St., East Hartford. Burial with full Military Honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com