John Thomas Casey

John Thomas Casey, who was known as Tom, died Friday morning in South County Hospital after a long illness. He was 61. Tom lived in Branford Connecticut for many years, but in 2007, he moved to Richmond, Rhode Island. He loved the area for its quiet natural beauty. He also loved to visit Block Island, and he spent many happy days there photographing its beautiful landscapes. Tom was born in New York City to John Thomas Casey Sr and Elizabeth MacDonald Casey. He grew up in Rye and attended local schools. When Tom was 9 years old, his father suffered the first of many serious strokes. By the time Tom was 16, his father was severely disabled and Tom left school to care for his father at home. After his father’s death, he returned to Rye High School and graduated in 1970, a year later than his class. He then attended college in New Hampshire. After college he went on to form his own decorative painting business. He continued in the business until he retired in 2006 when he spent his time experimenting with his interests in artistic painting, writing, and photography. Tom was married in 1973 to Alfreda Liebmann and they had a daughter, Cassandra. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1982, Tom married Carol Stroud Van Deusen and they had two daughters, Aimee and Caitlin. Tom cherished his daughters and was immensely proud of them. Tom is survived by his three daughters as well as his only granddaughter, Julia Hunt. He is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth Casey of Southbury Connecticut, and three of his sisters, Maggie Mead, Kitty LaBarge and Jane LaPorte . His elder sister, Mary Elizabeth Winson died of breast cancer in l996. Tom was a complicated individual and a gentle soul who loved life’s simple pleasures. His death is a profound sadness for his family and friends who know that Tom had many underutilized talents. A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday at W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home in Branford Connecticut. In lieu of sending flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to Hope Valley Ambulance Squad, P O Box 205, Hope Valley, Rhode Island 02832.