Lawrence Larry Robert Caseria

After fighting a valiant fight with cancer, our father, Lawrence Robert Caseria, made his final ride on November 1, 2014 surrounded by his family. While we know he is in a much better place and finally pain free, he has left a huge hole in the hearts of all he has touched throughout his life.

Born June 1, 1931, in Canton, New York he was the son of the late Anthony and Marion Briggs Caseria. Our father attended Fairfield University in Connecticut. He went on to serve with pride and honor in the United States Air Force which took him into the Korean War where, as fate would have it, he served alongside his late brother, Anthony P. Caseria. After the Korean War, he served the remainder of his military career based out of McCord Air Force base. It was during his military years that he met and married our mother, Patricia (Gill). This marriage brought three children into the family and Dad was very busy helping Mom shuttle us to the many horse shows that would soon be the foundation of our lives for many years.

Dads various careers spanned across 64 years beginning with entering the Air Force at 19. Early in his career he helped the local veterinarian in Poulsbo which in turn launched his passion of taking care of animals. He served several years as the President of the Washington State Horsemen's Association. He spent many years raising quarter horses and was a well-respected judge throughout Washington and neighboring states. He mentored the young in 4H activities and he was the first person people would turn to with a question about a horse, dog, cat, or for that matter, any animal at all. He continued to be the treasured vet tech on Sunday's at Poulsbo Marina Vet Clinic where he worked every Sunday for 15 years right up to the Sunday prior to his passing. Rescue animals were a passion of Dad’s and he had a menagerie at his house, full of special need critters. He would never turn away anyone or anything that needed him. Dad held many jobs in his life. He worked as a machinist at Boeing for many years and then went on to have a fulfilling government career which culminated as a general foreman at Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport. Dad was extremely proud of his contributions and the many friendships that were forged during his days at Keyport. He has retained close friendships with his co-workers and enjoyed the salmon bakes and retirement functions where he could visit with his many friends. Dad shared many treasured memories of fishing trips to Alaska and Canada with his Keyport buddies. He also coached Special Olympics where he was respected and adored by the athletes and families alike. A special memory we have of his coaching years, is when an athlete told our Dad he liked his shoes and Dad gave him those shoes. Dad had a passion for flying and was a FAA certified pilot. Recently, Dad would look outside on a nice sunny day and say “it’s a good day for flying”.

Survivors include his three children Laurie Carson (partner Scott), Scott Caseria (LeAnn), Denice Caseria-Read (Steve), close companion MaryAnn Lee; four loving grandsons, Aaron (Ashley), Dustin (fiancée Emily), Cody (KC) and Tyler; and two very cherished great-grandsons, Iroh Noah and Kawika Lawrence. He is survived by his brother, Phillip Caseria, his sister-in-laws Pat Caseria and Virginia Caseria, all from CT., as well as his beloved aunt Myrna Coolidge of Canandaigua, NY. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Additionally he is survived by the staff of Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic, whom Dad truly considered his family. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert W. Caseria and Anthony P. Caseria, both of CT.

Dad took on this fight with cancer the same way he took on anything, with a great deal of passion and grace. The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and says it only affirms how many lives he touched. He was a true friend to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Dad is now riding the hills on his beloved quarter horse mare KAT, free of pain and sitting tall in the saddle.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and staff who provided such good care to Dad during his illness, especially his special angel Sarah from Dr. Willerford's office. You all meant so much to him.

A memorial service will be held at Miller Woodlawn in Bremerton on Sunday, November 23 starting at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Animal Rescue Families of Bremerton or PAWS of Bainbridge Island as these were two organizations Dad was passionate about helping. The family would welcome and encourage any memories and comments you wish to share be posted to the following link www.miller-woodlawn.com