Mr Casale was the best Teacher.  He always went the extra mile to help us students with our work and anything else.  We will miss him greatly. His family is in my familys prayers and thoughts.
A note from Emilys mom:
I am very lucky that such a great person was able to touch and influence my daughters life.  When school first started this year, he was the topic of dinner conversation.  He made her see things for what they were and to never give up. Again,we were so lucky to have this wonderful man touch or lives.

To Michael's family: I am sorry for your loss.  It is also a great loss for DES and Southington Public School community.  In the two years I worked in DES, I always saw his smile.  Even though I did not have the opportunity to work with him, I knew he must have enjoyed being a teacher and helping our kids.  I was shocked when I read the new on Thursday!!! God bless you and may you rest in peace, Michael.
Linda

My deepest sympathies to the Casale family. Although I was not in touch with Mike recently, the memories I have will last forever. He was a great friend and the man he became is truly an inspiration to us all.

I will dearly miss Michael especially on field trip days when I would tease him to no end, about the meds I had packed up for him to take. As the "School Mom" I could not help but to mother him. He had a heart of gold and a sincere love for the kids, always caring about was best for them. He will be dearly missed and remembered by his Derynoski family. 

Sincerely,
                Diane Stolz

To the entire Casale Family-

I think I speak for everyone when I say, "I am in shock and saddened over the news of Mike's passing."  Though I have not seen or spoken to him in some time,  I am thankful to have known Mike.  After reading these tributes, it is so obvious that he touched the lives of so many people, especially his students.  His legacy will definitely live on in those that knew and loved him.  He will be greatly missed.

I just received this email from my mother asking me if I knew Mike she stated I remember hearing his name from my High School days. All I could say was wow. Now I have not seen him in many years but regardless it still seems like yesterday we running around town and I realized how quickly the years go bye. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike?s family and I will never forget your smile. I wanted to leave a quote from Abraham Lincoln ?And in the end, it?s not the years in your life that count. It?s the life in your years.?  Peace my Brother!!!

Mr. Casale was a great teacher and person! He made me and my classmates laugh a lot. We had great times together.I miss him so much!!

May God bless you during this time and provide you with the strength you need to make it through.

I have not talked to Mike in over 18 years, we went to school together. I wish I had kept in touch.  He was a great friend and a wonderful person.
My prayers go out to Mike's family and friends.  God Bless.

I came to DES about six years ago to work one on one with a student.  I was fortunate enough to be in Mike's class.  During that year I came to know Mike pretty well.  What impressed me the most was not just the way he worked with the kids, but how he got to know each one.  He took the time to know each one individually, their likes/dislikes, strengths/weaknesses, etc.  He knew just what each one needed to be the best they could be.  Mike came up with nicknames for each student, and they felt so special because of the attention they were getting.  
Mike did a great job teaching, there was a lot of fun in his room.  Learning does not have to be boring.  I feel the students did better because they wanted to please him.  I never heard him "holler" at any kid.  He would talk to them individually if there was a problem.  No one was ever embarrassed or made to feel bad.  He just had that special way of connecting with each one, and a special gift of being a TEACHER.  I know he has left an unforgettable mark on the lives of many kids and adults.  He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Ulla Gibbs

I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the Casale family. I am a former student of Mr. Casale. He was a very unique teacher, he had patience, understanding, and a great sense of humor. He had the ability to teach us and we did not even know we were learning. He was a very special role model to me. I am very saddened that other kids are not going to be able to experience the special way he taught that helped me grow and learn, Mr. Casale will be greatly missed.

A great person!
A wonderful friend!
A mentor and father!
You will be missed, but remain in our hearts forever.

To a person whom I can not find one bad thing to say or thought to think ! You are missed not only by myself, but by all people you have ever come in contact with.

                 Chris S.

Dear family of Mr.Casale,
I am sorry for your loss with great sympathy. I also wanted to tell you that Mr. Casale was a great teacher to me and that when I was struggling the most he was always there for me. I remembered him helping my out and encouraging me. I was one of his students 5 years ago you may think i wouldn't remember him but I do because he helped me the most out of all my elementary school year teachers. I am greatful for a wonderful person to help me that one year. Again I am sorry for the loss and I hope you and your family can get through this difficult time.
  With all respect,
 Jennifer Vecchio

To the Casale Family:
There are no words to express our feelings for you during this most difficult time.  Mr. Casale will always hold a special place in our home.  Our eldest daughter was in his very first class at Derynowski Elementary.  He was among her favorite teachers.  She is now a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University studing elementary education.  It was teachers like Mr. Casale who inspired her to pursue this profession.  We will always be grateful to him for that.  He had our youngest daughter two years later and they became great buddies during that school year.  His love of sports and her love of sports sparked that friendship.  He also was able to motivate her to become the tood student she is today.  She will be entering ECSU in the Fall to study education and hopes to become a guidance counselor.  Mr. Casale was one of individuals lucky enough to pick the right profession. He was a fabulous teacher! Because of that I think he will always be a part of our community just because he touched very many lives. We will miss him very much.  Our prayers will be with you always.  May God grant you the strength to get through this difficult time, comfort during your healing  and courage to continue on.

To the Casale Family,
Mike was such a great person who touched so many peoples lives, I will always remeber his laugh and contagious smile. My heart goes out to everyone who knew him and loved him. Cherish the memories, he will always be in our thoughts and our hearts.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Casale family,Mike was one of those genuine nice guys.He will be greatly missed by all whose life he had touched.

I am very sorry for your loss. Mike and I coached baseball and he was a great person and friend I will miss him very much.

My deepest sympathy to the Casale family.  Mike was a wonderful man and friend.  He touched many lives.  He will be truly missed.

The Casale family - 

Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy. In this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with you.  

"Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever..."

To The Casale Family, my deepest sympathy goes out to each and every one of you!  Mike was such a great guy with a smile that was never ending...He will be missed by so many that loved and cared for him.  Know that a part of him will be with us ALWAYS!

My thoughts and prayers are with the Casale Family. Mike was a great friend with a big heart. I'm honored to have shared some of the best times of my life with Mike. Those vivid memories will always be cherished and never forgotten.

My Deepest Sympathy to the Casale family,friends,students and colleages.

Memories of Micheal through out the years of friendship will never be forgotten..

OBITUARY

Michael J. Casale

May 18, 1971 – March 13, 2006

Della Vecchia Funeral Home

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