Victor "Vic" Robert Cascella

Of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away Monday, August 29, 2022, at age 62. Born in Stamford, Connecticut, Vic was the son of Robert Nicholas Cascella and Yolanda Hill Cascella. His family later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where at Webster Groves High School he played water polo and achieved national ranking.

Victor was Senior Director of Global Operational Excellence at Emergent BioSolutions, Gaithersburg, for the past five years. A petroleum engineering graduate of the University of Missouri at Rolla, he interned as a roustabouton an oil rig in the Pacific for Shell Oil. He then relocated to Ventura, California, establishing his first business, Victory Marine Services. For several years, Victor indulged in his love of nautical woodworking, refurbishing the teak and mahogany of Southern California yacht owners while earning an M.B.A.degree at California Lutheran University. From there he moved to Arlington, Virginia, to accept a management consulting position with Coopers & Lybrand Consulting. Victor was a gifted problem solver in many industries, including defense, consumer products, transportation, energy and pharmaceuticals.

Over the following decades, he married and had two daughters, Natalie and Lindsey, and with three partners established Valeocon Consulting, a global management consulting business headquartered in New York City. Several years later he accepted a position as Director of Process Excellence in Gaithersburg with AstraZenica before joining Emergent BioSolutions.

Victor’s career and love of adventure led him on a continuous journey of travel and discovery. Often he traveled together with “Pop”, his father, and brother Guy. Wherever he went across the globe, his curiosity, warmth, and generous nature won him friends and professional success. Victor delighted in cultural variety, particularly food, and was inspired to reimagine what he had encountered abroad in his own kitchen. He was an aficionado of hot peppers, cultivating especially spicy varieties in his garden. He liked nothing better than cooking masterful feasts for gatherings of friends and family.

Anyone who has met Victor will remember his sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to add mirth to the moment and instantly bring on gut-busting laughter to a room. His mother, who was born in Panama and spoke with a pronounced accent, called him “mi diablito” and for good reason. Among mischievous moments as a young boy, he once brought friends home to hear her speak —charging them a dime apiece. A talented public speaker with a warm, easy manner, Victor provided clarity, motivation and wit for his many professional audiences.

Victor loved the outdoors. Strong and athletic, he was an avid cyclist, hiker and diver. History intrigued him. He recently had returned from a long desired trip to Greece, where he immersed himself in the wonders of antiquity.

Victor deeply cherished his two daughters and role as grandfather. He was a loyal fan who cheered on his girls at dance competitions and softball games and created entertaining trips in the US and Mexico to share with them. Recently, he taught his grandson to ride a tricycle.

Throughout his life, Victor was a committed helper—to family, friends, and often strangers in need. He moved through this world with grace, purpose and optimism. His unselfish and kind, inimitable spirit will not be forgotten. Victor is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Yolanda Cascella and his nephew Vincent Cascella. He is survived by two daughters, Natalie Cascella and Lindsey Cascella; his grandsons Armani Mock and Kairo Mock; his brother Guy Cascella and sister-in-law, Ann Cascella; his sister, Christine Cascella Reider and brother-in-law, Frank Reider; and nephews and niece Nicholas Cascella; David Cascella, and Gina Jones; partner Wendy Myseros and former spouse and childrens’ mother Terri Cascella. He also is survived by numerous friends who were as family.

Victor Cascella's celebration of Life event will be Tuesday , October 4, 2022 from 4 to 7 pm at Windridge Vineyards, 15700 Darnestown Road, Darnestown, MD 20874.