Franco Casale

Born on August 6, 1959, in Ipswich, England, to Antonio Casale and Luigia Casoria, Franco moved to Cervinara, Italy, at the age of seven. At just thirteen, he began learning the barbering trade - a craft that would become his lifelong work and a way of connecting with so many people. At eighteen, he immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities, first settling in New York, where he lived before moving to New Jersey. East Hanover became his home in 1982, and he remained a proud part of the community for the rest of his life.

On October 10, 1981, Franco married the love of his life, Felicia Teta. They shared forty-five years of marriage and built a family that meant everything to him. A devoted husband and loving father to Gina, Antonio, and Francesco, Franco also had the joy of being a grandfather to Liliana and Ariana.

For Franco, being a barber was about much more than cutting hair. It was about people, conversation, and making everyone feel welcome. In 2017, he and his son Francesco opened their own barbershop, creating a place where a traditional Italian haircut and shave came with an espresso, a conversation about sports, and a reason to stay a little longer. Customers became friends, and the shop became a gathering place filled with the warmth and personality Franco brought to everything he did.

Away from the barbershop, Franco could often be found on the bocce courts at Lurker Park. An avid player and winner of numerous championships, he helped establish a bocce league in East Hanover, bringing people together through a game he loved.

Franco embraced life with enthusiasm and found joy in the things—and especially the people—he loved. He had a standing phone call with his brothers every Sunday – a time of the week that he treasured deeply. He was the life of the party, always ready to dance, especially when his favorite disco songs began to play. He loved cheering for the New York Jets and AC Milan, watching the horse races and playing the lottery. Whether sharing an espresso and a pastry or enjoying a glass of wine with family and friends, Franco had a way of making an ordinary day feel like an occasion.

His family and friends will carry with them the sound of his laughter, his infectious enthusiasm for life, and the comfort of the everyday moments they shared. His absence will be deeply felt at home, in the barbershop, on the bocce courts, and wherever those who loved him gather.

Franco is survived by his beloved wife of forty-five years, Felicia Casale; his children, Gina and her husband, Patrick; Antonio and his wife, Meral; and Francesco Casale; his grandchildren, Liliana and Ariana; his brother, Giuseppe Casale (Anna) his many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Fiore Casale (Mariarosa).

Visitation will be held on October 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on October 29 at 9:45 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 316 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey. Interment will take place following mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Franco’s memory may be made to Atlantic Visiting Nurse or the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, designated for Neurology & Neurosciences.