Pasquale A. Caseria

Pasquale “Pat” A. Caseria, 86, of Trumbull, beloved husband of Dorothy Bednarsky Caseria, died August 9, at St Vincent’s Medical Center. A son of Martha and Leonard Caseria, he was born November 18, 1925, in Stratford.

 He served in the United States Army during World War II. As a PFC, he served in Germany with the 45th Division. While stationed at Camp Blanding in Florida with the 63rd Regiment, he was undefeated in boxing and received the Golden Gloves. After his discharge from the Army, Mr Caseria continued his education, attending Arnold College. He received a BS degree in physical education in 1951 and later received a master’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport.

During the summers in the 1950s and 1960s he was a camp director at the Italian Community Center Day Camp in Newtown.

He played football in semiprofessional leagues with the championship team Bridgeport Ramblers. He taught fifth grade at Wilcoxson School in Stratford, before becoming the physical education teacher and varsity football coach at Stratford High School.

Mr Caseria had the thrill of seeing five of his former athletes play in the NFL, with two of them on winning Super Bowl teams. He always professed fair and honest play, good sportsmanship, and respect for all. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle man who was always willing to help his family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, survivors include his four children, Linda Caseria of Bridgeport, Leonard Caseria of Trumbull, Patrick Caseria of Trumbull, and Phillip Caseria of Shelton; a grandson; a brother, Leonard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Phillip.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place August 14. Interment was in St Michael’s Cemetery, Stratford.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or stjude.org.

To light a virtual candle, visit www.abriola.com.

The Newtown Bee        August 17, 2012