Anthony Francis Casale Sr.

Anthony F. Casale, Sr., 82, of Southington, passed away on May 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in New Britain, Connecticut on July 23, 1943, he was the son of the late Francis and Julia (Mondello) Casale.

In addition to his beloved wife Karen, he leaves behind his sister, Ann, of Southington; his children Anthony Casale, Jr. of Southington, Deborah Hebditch and her husband Randy of Massachusetts, Lynne Forbotnick and her husband Robert of Plainville, and Frank Casale and his wife Catarina of Southington. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, along with many loving family members and friends.

After graduating from Southington High School, Anthony worked for Gibbs Wire and Steel, H.P. Koppleman, Saab Motors, and Stanley Works. He was a member of the Sons of Italy and The Spartans’ Club. He was also a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville, where his strong faith reflected the values he carried throughout his life: faith and family above all else.

Anthony was an avid animal lover, he always had a dog in his life or on his lap, and after meeting Karen, took in many cats over the years that he loved and cherished. He loved being in the yard, watching the wildlife and feeding any animal that would stray through for a short time.

Anthony was, at his core, the patriarch of his family; the one whose presence could be felt the moment he walked into a room. A strong man in every sense of the word, he carried himself with quiet authority, an iron will, and a deep-rooted devotion to the people he loved. He was both funny and serious, known for his quick wit, playful teasing, and perfectly timed one-liners. He had a way of turning any moment into a joke, often with clever plays on words and his signature expressions like “jeepers cripe”, that his family will never forget. Those who knew him best would simply say he was a good man and the ultimate family man.

Anthony found his greatest joy in simply being surrounded by the people he loved. He loved to sit and talk, never needing much more than company to feel content. In fact, “company” was what he cherished most. Whether it was time with his wife, his sister, his children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, he always wanted to be in the presence of his family. He also found peace in his daily routines, especially his devotion to visiting the cemetery each day to spend time near his parents; a quiet but powerful reflection of the deep love and loyalty he carried for his family. He set aside time each day for his prayers and gratitude. He enjoyed being outdoors, taking in the simple moments, and just being present in the world around him. Whether it was watching a fireworks display or having a cookout or birthday party, he enjoyed so many precious moments in life.

In his younger years, Anthony had a deep passion for bodybuilding and worked as a personal trainer at the Southington YMCA, where he became known to many as “Big Tony.” He was also an avid softball player, spending many years on the field alongside his sons, sons-in-law, family members, and close friends.

Anthony found joy in life’s simple pleasures and traditions. He was a familiar face at Music on the Green, often arriving hours early to set up his chairs and enjoy the atmosphere. He cherished time spent in Hyannis on Cape Cod with his wife and family, especially breakfast at the Hearth and Kettle and taking rides to the beach. Ice cream was more than just a treat; it was part of who he was. Whether it was his daily indulgence or proudly wearing his favorite shirt that read, “I wonder if ice cream thinks about me too,” it was one of the many small things that brought him joy and made others smile.

Anthony was the heart of his family, the one who brought everyone together and made a house feel like home. Every holiday and gathering was held at his house, where he reveled in the joyful chaos. Whether it was Christmas with the living room packed wall to wall on Hobart Street, or Memorial Day spent playing kickball in the yard, the party was always at Tony and Karen’s, and he was at the center of it all. He loved the simple, meaningful things: watching the news, sitting down for a good meal, and being surrounded by family.

To be around him was to feel his strength, his wit, and his unmistakable sass. He had a way of being both tough and tender all at once, yelling at his grandchildren to get off the cellar door in one breath, and asking them for hugs in the next. And at every large gathering, he could almost always be found out on the dance floor, fully in the moment, surrounded by the people he loved. He wasn’t just part of the moment, he was the moment, and his presence is something his family will carry with them always.

Visitation will be held at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington, CT 06489 on Friday May 8, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St, Plainville, CT 06062 on Saturday May 9, 2026, at 10:00 am. All who wish to attend are asked to gather directly at the church for Mass.

Burial will follow at Saint Thomas Cemetery, Southington. To leave a message of remembrance for the family please visit: www.DellaVecchiaSouthington.com