Henry "Papa Red" Paul Cassello

Henry Paul Cassello, lovingly known by so many as “Papa Red,” passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Henry was a man of strong faith, kindness, forgiveness, and quiet strength. He was the kind of person who would help anyone without ever expecting anything in return.

Although Henry was never married, he opened his heart and home to others, including raising Buddy as his own from a young age. Family meant everything to him, and the love he gave so freely shaped generations.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Henry lived a life centered around hard work, service, faith, and helping others. He graduated from St. Rita High School and continued his education through Lewis University, Quincy College, and St. Vincent De Paul Seminary, studying mathematics, psychology, philosophy, sociology, and divinity. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Psychology.

Henry proudly served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman in Europe. During this time he received commentdations for Good Conduct, Marksmanship and a National Defense Service Medal. He later spent many years working for the Florida Department of Corrections before retiring in September of 2002, serving in several roles including Rehabilitation Therapist, Purchasing Agent, and Institutional Correctional Probation & Parole Officer. During his time there he also was an AA Sponsor, JC Sponsor & Community Awareness Program Coordinator. He worked closely with troubled youth, probationers, and inmates, always believing people deserved guidance, compassion, and second chances.

Outside of work, both before and after retirement, Henry devoted much of his life to God, his faith, and serving others. He faithfully taught CCD classes for many years and was deeply involved at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Zephyrhills, Florida, where he served as a Sacristan, youth leader, altar server, and mentor to many. His faith was not just something he believed in. It was something he lived every day through kindness, forgiveness, guidance, and service to others.

He also had a love of horses, even joining his brother for some time in the family business, Casello's Apoloosas in Lockport, Illinois. Together they lived their cowboy dreams while they bred and sold Quarter horses until he decided to join the seminary.

Papa Red loved family gatherings, music, football, and simply being around the people he loved. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He was endlessly proud of Morgan, Peyton, Sophia, Brayden, Mallory, and Jaice, who brought so much joy into his life.

He would do anything for his family. Whether that meant picking up his great grandchildren and all their friends, making early morning Taco Bell runs, or delivering pizza in the pouring rain just because the kids wanted it, Papa truly did it all. If you knew him, you knew he loved every child like his own.

If football was on, you could always count on Papa cheering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, unless they were playing the Chicago Bears. No matter how many years he spent in Florida, he always stayed true to his Chicago roots.

To so many people, Papa Red wasn’t just our Papa. He was everyone’s Papa. He made people feel welcome, safe, and loved. He always showed up when someone needed him, and his presence brought comfort to everyone around him.

While our hearts are broken, we find peace knowing he is reunited in Heaven with his beloved grandson Josh, who passed away far too soon in 2017.

Marah wishes to share this message on behalf of Papa Red's Family "Papa Red’s love, wisdom, humor, and faith will live on through the many lives he touched. The lessons he taught about forgiveness, kindness, and family will never be forgotten."

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant.." — Matthew 25:21