Michael Cascone Sr.

Michael Cascone, Sr. was born July 29, 1920 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Captain John Cascone and Antoinette Garrelli Cascone and died December 22, 2019 at his home in Jacksonville. His father’s employment as a Merchant sea Captain brought him to Jacksonville as a small child and he spent his formative years here, graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in 1937.

Mike started working at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1941, and married Dorothy Cunningham June 1, of that same year, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He departed the next year to serve in the U. S. Army Air Corps in the European Theater as a gun turret mechanic. He returned stateside in 1945 following the cessation of the war in Europe and was soon discharged and returned to NAS Jax where he eventually retired in 1976 as the Civilian Personnel Director, the chief civilian of its many different commands. He and Dorothy had five children all of whom survive them.

After his return to NAS he began the effort to start a federally chartered credit union that was finally formed in 1952 as Jax Navy Federal Credit Union when he and eleven others each put up five dollars to obtain the charter. Because of his leadership in the effort Mike was made member number one and maintained that throughout his life. He was a leader in what became known as the “Credit Union Movement” and held multiple positions on the Board of Jax Navy and eventually VyStar, as it later became known. Mike also served on the National Association of Credit Union Presidents and became President of that Association also. He was later nominated and named to the Defense Department Credit Union Hall of Fame.

Mike was active in the St. Augustine Diocese throughout his adult life and served as President of the Bishop Kenny Dad’s Club, and served on the Diocesan Board of Education, the Diocesan Investment Committee and on the Board of Jacksonville Catholic Charities. His commitment to St. Matthew’s Parish included roles as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Chair of the Finance Committee, Chair of the School Board, Chair of the Men’s Club, Chair of the Bazaar Committee and Chair of the Church Renovation Committee as well as many other duties he performed at the pastors’ request.

Mike was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as the State Secretary for the Florida State Council. He was also a past Grand Knight of Father Maher Council, 648 on the westside of Jacksonville.

Mike was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and rose to the rank of Knight Grand Cross with Star.

Additionally, during Mike’s retirement years he served the Daughter’s of Charity as a Board Member at St. Vincent’s Hospital and as Board Chair of their St. Catherine Laboure’ Manor. For his service he was rewarded with their highest lay honor and became an affiliate of the Daughter’s of Charity.

Mike served the community and many other organizations too numerous to mention but included the Jacksonville Urban League and Boy Scouts of America.

He is survived by his five children Marie Wilkinson (Larry), Michael Jr. (Elizabeth), Michele Cugno (Joe), Sharon Ray (Eddy), and John Joseph (Jennifer). Mike had sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. His grandsons will serve as the pallbearers.

The family would like to acknowledge all of the care providers and health care workers that offered their assistance to Mike in his final months. Their work was heartfelt, exceptional and truly acts of kindness that cannot be overstated. The family would also ask that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to St. Matthew’s Catholic Church or Community Hospice on Sunbeam Road.

The visitation will be Sunday, January 5, 2020 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church between 6:45 and 8:30 o’clock p.m. with the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 o’clock a.m. Monday, January 6, 2020, also at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, is serving the family.