Obituary of Thomas J. Cassella

WALLINGFORD - Thomas J. Cassella, 87, of Wallingford, peacefully passed away on June 19, 2017. He was married to the love of his life, the late Barbara L. (Manwaring), for 59 years.

Thomas was born on September 16, 1929 in New Haven, CT, to the late Dominic and Concetta (Ciarleglio) Cassella. He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran who served as SO3 on the USS Harwood from July 1949 until April 1952 when he was Honorably Discharged. After serving, Thomas worked in the construction industry as an Operating Engineer. A true Renaissance man, Thomas was an accomplished woodcarver; trumpeter; skier; tennis player; and runner. He had a love for old cars and animals, made his own furniture and enjoyed traveling with his wife. Thomas was a faithful man who, until recently, attended Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford regularly. He will certainly be remembered for his unwavering sense of humor, his distinctive good looks, and his love of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Thomas was predeceased by a son, David J. Cassella and a sister Evelyn (Cassella) Baczek and is survived by his children Amy (Cassella) Jarboe and her husband Gary of Plainville, CT; Thomas E. Cassella and his wife Linda of Sunderland, VT; Andrew P. Cassella Sr. of Wolcott, CT; grandchildren, Meghan Gaignard and her husband David; Erik Jarboe and his wife Lia; Krista Galante and her husband Justin; Andrew Cassella Jr.; and Arakel Platt-Cassella; great-grandchildren, Kaylee; Brooke; Devin; Nora; Jack; Alexander; and Koryne.

Thomas' funeral will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony St. in Wallingford, and interment with Military Honors will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Wallingford. CT. Calling hours will be held at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm St. in Wallingford on Sunday, June 25, 2017 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at altz.org. To leave an online condolence or to share a memory or a photo, please visit Thomas' memorial page at www.BaileyCares.com.