Casey Kosinski

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Casimir "Casey" E. Kosinski. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Casey was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

He was the son of Stanley and Sally, and was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Casey was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Casey's personality throughout his life.

Though Casey was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Casey was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Casey worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Casey was raised with two older sisters, Helen and Tessie. Casey and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Casey was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Casey was always tactful. One thing Casey will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Casey had a number of interests and was an active child. Casey took part in gymnastics and ice skating, and his spare time he liked woodworking and carving Casey's memorable achievements included playing the violin.

For Casey, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Casey was also adept at details. Casey was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He attended Harrison High School and his favorite class while there was wood shop.

There was one thing that all of Casey's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Casey was such a popular person throughout his life. But Casey was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Casey was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Casey was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Casey was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Casey was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Casey made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Eddie Gromala, Henry Wojak, and Jack Wojak. Later in life, he remained friends with Eddie, Henry, and Jack.

Casey was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Casey cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On October 19, 1947 Casey married Marie Krop at St. Casimir's Catholic Church of Chicago, Illinois. They were married for 59 years before Marie's passing in November of 2006.

Harmony was important to Casey and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Casey was blessed with his wife, Marie; two sons, Ronald and David; and daughter-in-law, Lana. He was also blessed with three grandchildren: Lisa, Laurie, and Alyson; Lisa's husband, Tyler; and one great-granddaughter, Brooke. Casey was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Casey was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Casey would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Casey, and he expected the same from those around him. Casey was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Casey was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Casey handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was as a typesetter. He was employed for 25 years by Bagcraft Corporation. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Casey was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Casey was an Army veteran. He was in the Infantry from 1943- 1946, and saw action for World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of T5. He received several awards including a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman and Expert Badges.

A methodical man, Casey enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were woodworking.

Casey was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Casey was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Casey also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, softball, and volleyball.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Casey to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Casey did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Casey was an active member of the VFW.

Since it was easy for Casey to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Casey was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1983. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada in order to be closer to family. Even in retirement, Casey stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Casey passed away on July 19, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was laid to rest in Palm Valley View Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by two sons, Ronald and David; daughter-in-law, Lana; three grandchildren: Lisa, Laurie, and Alyson; Lisa's husband, Tyler; and one great-granddaughter, Brooke.

Casey was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Casey was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Casimir "Casey" Kosinski.