John Patrick Casey

John Casey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and faithful servant, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and devotion that touched countless lives.

Born in Los Angeles, California, John was a lifelong learner and teacher. His educational journey began at St. Robert Bellarmine School in Burbank, followed by Our Lady’s Queen of Angels Seminary in Mission Hills. He earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts and Language Arts, as well as his Master’s Degree in Education and Secondary Teaching from Cal State Los Angeles, a foundation for the impactful career that followed.

John dedicated his life to education and over the course of 37 years served as an educator, Industrial Arts Teacher, Administrator, and District Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance. Above all, John’s role as a Counselor in the Chino Valley Unified School District held a special, and most beloved place in his heart. After retirement, John continued to give back to his community by training personnel for Eagle Software/Aeries and teaching computer skills to adults and seniors at the Chino and Buena Park Senior Centers.

In 1960, John met Helen L. Casey (née Doyle) at a CYO dance at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Los Angeles. They shared 47 years of marriage until her passing in 2007. John and Helen raised five children, to whom he passed on not only practical skills like Morse code and trailer-backing but also values of faith, family, and curiosity. Their home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and, often, a hidden stash of M&M’s!

What we’ll remember most about John is how safe, understood, and loved he made us feel. Whether handing out Christmas gifts with excitement, leaping into the pool fully clothed to make us laugh, or offering steady guidance during hard times, John’s love was always at the center of everything he did.

John’s favorite interests reflected his endless curiosity: electronics, ham radio, photography, computers, and space travel. He was an avid reader of books on spirituality, technology, and history, always eager to learn and share. His deep Catholic faith anchored his life, and he served with joy as a Lector and Pastoral Council member at both St. Polycarp in Stanton and St. Margaret’s in Chino, remembered especially for his golden voice and calming presence.

In 2012, he found love again, marrying Patricia Pisano Casey, whom he met on CatholicMatch.com. With a true heart filled with love and generosity, John embraced Patricia’s family as his own, becoming a cherished grandpa, uncle, and brother-in-law. Together, they created new memories traveling, cruising, studying Scripture, cheering on the Angels and the Trojans, studying Irish history, and attending concerts and the theater. He especially enjoyed visits with his grandchildren and friends.

John faced health challenges in his later years, the most serious of which was Lewy Body Dementia. He met those difficulties bravely. After moving to a memory care residence, he adjusted with courage and good humor. He charmed his caregivers with his wit and wisdom, always expressing gratitude for all those that cared for him.

John was a quiet force for good, a man who truly believed in people and showed it every day. He will be missed more than words can say—and remembered always, with love.

John is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Casey; his children, Julie Welch, Michelle (Brock) Randall, Theresa Casey (Jeff Seldin), Kathleen (David) Strange, MaryAnn Whitesell (Jim Whitesell), Patrick John Casey, and Peggy (Joel) Clelland. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Steven (Sabrina) Caldero, Mike (Anita) Casey, Irene Vigil (née Doyle), and Patty Doyle; and by his grandchildren, Kailey Pennington (Ronald), Braeden Randall, Eric (Macy) Whitesell, Casey Whitesell (Jordan Deitz), Patrick Whitesell, Doug and Shannon Strange, and Theresa, Sean, Joel, Paul, and Paige Clelland. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen L. Casey (born Helen Doyle); his sisters, Mary Casey and Doreen Katie Casey; his grandson, James Cyril Whitesell; and his brothers-in-law, Edward Vigil, Frank Doyle, and Raymond Doyle.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to one of the following organizations in John’s name: Alzheimer’s Orange County www.alzoc.org or Precious Life Shelter www.preciouslifeshelter.org

A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the rosary recited at 6:00 PM at Dimond & Shannon Mortuary, 10630 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840. A remembrance Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Saint Polycarp Catholic Church, 8100 Chapman Ave, Stanton, CA 90680. A graveside service will occur Friday, July 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 444 E Lexington Ave, Pomona, CA 91766.