John Patrick Casey, of Cambridge, formerly of Medford, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016, in the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital of Melrose. He was 32.
Born in Boston, he was the cherished son of Robert Casey of Maine and Margaret Cremens-Smith of Medford. John was the cherished stepson of Vincent Smith of Medford. John was the treasured grandson of the late Joseph and Catherine (Casey) Cremens and the late Aneas and Stacia (Gedrewicz) Casey.
Following high school graduation from the Cathedral High School of South Boston in 2003, John joined the United States Navy. John served as Navigational Quartermaster and also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. John obtained the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy E Ribbon, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. John also attended Navy Seal training in San Diego, CA.
Following his honorable discharge in 2006, John went back to school to further his education at Bunker Hill Community College. There he took a series of liberal arts courses and completed Certificate programs. John was an intelligent man who could see the bigger picture. He was logistic and creative and these qualities made him successful. John was a proud tradesman, as he worked as an iron worker, plumber and also worked in H.V.A.C. He enjoyed the work he did and took pride in helping others. John was a business owner of a carpet company as well.
A selfless man, John was always focused on serving people and helping others in their time of need. He was dedicated to aiding those into recovery and was often a motivational speaker. Because John knew that willingness is the key and time takes time, he felt his role was to encourage those he cared for, to remain in recovery. John was loved by all and he could always put a smile on anyone’s face.
John was a man of great faith. Each day he stayed focused on his spirituality and belief in a higher power. He lived his life by loving God and others, living one day at a time.
In his spare time, John enjoyed sports, specifically baseball, hockey and lacrosse. He was very athletic and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved his family and spending quality time with them as well. John was a caring and protective brother to his five sisters and a loyal son to his parents. His family came first and was most important to him.
John was the loving brother of Caitlin Casey and her partner John Gillis of Medford, Courtney Hockenbury and her husband Brett of Florida, Kerry Dooley and her husband Patrick of Revere, Megan and Lindsey Casey, both of Maine. He was the dear uncle of Shayla Dooley of Revere and Brielle Hockenbury of Florida. John is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Wednesday, February 24th at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Cambridge Cemetery, in the City of Cambridge. Contributions in John’s name may be sent to the Gavin Foundation, Inc., 675 East 4th Street, P.O. Box E-15, South Boston, MA 02127.