Obituary of Joseph Casablanca

Resident of Shelton CASABLANCA Joseph Casablanca, Sr., age 68, of Shelton, a retired driver for the United Parcel Service, died peacefully on Friday, June 18, 2010 surrounded by his family. Born in Santa Maria Della Strada, Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy, he was the son of the late Domenico and Gaetana Cacopardo Casablanca. Joe came to the United States in 1953 at the age of 11 years and became a naturalized citizen in 1962. He grew up in Bridgeport and moved to Shelton in 1968. Joe graduated from Central High School Class of 1961. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 191 Retiree Chapter, an Army Reservist, a member of the Trinacria M.A. Society, the B.P.O.E. 36, the Marchegiana Society and a social member of the Highland Golf Club. Joe enjoyed his weekly trips to Hunts Point, NY, with his friend Sal Mancuso and spending time with his friends and customers at the Donut Center. He always enjoyed a good game of cards. Joe will always be remembered for his big heart and willingness to do anything for his family and friends. Survivors include his beloved wife of 43 years, Sandra DAmicol Casablanca, his children, Dr. Domenic Casablanca and his wife, Donna, of Oxford, Karen Bonitatebus and her husband, Anthony, of Shelton, Angela Casablanca Albert and her husband, Thomas, of Shelton, and Joseph Casablanca, Jr., of Shelton. He is also survived by a brother, Sebastian Casablanca and his wife Mariann, of West Palm Beach, FL, seven grandchildren, Domenic Jr., Alexa, Kathryn and Anthony Casablanca, Jordyn and Anthony Bonitatebus and Morgan Albert, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the nurses of CT Hospice and the many doctors and nurses who provided the excellent medical care Joe received over the last two years. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Marya Chaisson, who Joe trusted completely, and for whom he held a special place in his heart. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, Bridgeport, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street, Derby, CT 06418 or SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, 79 Church Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606.