Patrick Casey

CANFIELD - Patrick "Pat" Francis Casey, 82, entered eternal life on April 24, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1934, in Niles, to Leo and Catherine (McInerny) Casey.

Pat was loved by everyone and was a man who never had a bad day. He was known throughout the Mahoning Valley for his commitment to his faith, his family, his many friends, and his incredible love of life. Wherever he went, Pat always brought joy and laughter to those in his presence. He was the most good-natured person one could ever meet. It is fitting that Pat, whose ancestors were the fishermen of County Clare, Ireland, is now amongst the fishermen of Galilee with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pat grew up in Youngstown and graduated from Chaney High School in 1952. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army for two years and began work for Y & N Railroad for 10 years. He then joined the city of Youngstown Fire Department as a firefighter, where he worked for 25 years. In addition to being a retired firefighter, Pat worked in residential real estate up until the time of his death, for more than 40 years. He worked for Zid Realty & Associates, a firm owned by one of his dearest friends, Joe Zidian, who shared many special moments with Pat as they traveled, spreading their real estate knowledge and Youngstown antics across the United States, which made them both industry legends.

In 1956, in a scene reminiscent of "My Big Fat Greek (Lebanese) Wedding," Pat successfully married the love of his life, Minnie Mary Hayek. They resided in the Youngstown area ever since and were happily married for 60 years. For the past 20 years, they had the great fortunes to be blessed with a second home in Florida, where they enjoyed spending the winter months. Pat used the Florida home as a place to entertain family and friends. Additionally, for the past 10 years they have traveled to Ireland numerous times to visit family and make new friends. It was truly a blessed life.

Pat was a faithful husband, loving father and grandfather, as well as a devout member of St. Maron's Catholic Church. In addition to spending quality time with his family and friends, he enjoyed attending football games and playing bocce and golf. He was known by many for his love of Notre Dame Football and was also an avid fan of Cardinal Mooney High School and Youngstown State University football programs. After every YSU game, Pat and Minnie were always celebrating at his favorite restaurant and bar, the MVR.

Pat served the Youngstown community well and was honored to receive numerous awards during his distinguished career including three Life Savings Awards from the city of Youngstown Fire Department, Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society Gael of the Year (1991 to 1992), YMCA Civic Leadership Man of the Year (1995), Real Estate Sales Person of Year (1991 to 1995), Mayor of Youngstown Community Service Award (1979) and acknowledgment from Gov. Voinovich for his community service as a firefighter and civic leader. Pat was one of the founding members of the Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society and cherished his Irish heritage.

Pat believed in serving in one's community and he was involved with the Youngstown Board of Education's Adopt-a-School Project, where he worked mentoring children. He was very involved with The VanSickle Foundation For R Kids. Additionally, he led fund raising efforts for Board 60, a scholarship program for needy families, and Send Kids to Camp Inc. He also helped provide new homes for needy families through Habitat For Humanity. Pat performed volunteer work for the Cancer and Muscular Dystrophy Associations, Easter Seals, Catholic Charities and the American Heart Association. He was a longtime member and officer of the Youngstown/Columbiana Board of Realtors and Ohio Association of Realtors, where he served in numerous roles, including president (1993) and vice president (1994). He continued his charity work in Florida by feeding the elderly in his condo community. There wasn't a Sunday in 20 years that went by where Pat wasn't walking the neighborhood delivering pasta and wedding soup to all.

Pat was preceded in death by his father, Leo Casey; his mother, Catherine Casey; and his infant sister, Mary Kay Casey.

Patrick is survived by "his bride," Minnie of Canfield; his daughter, Kathy Durflinger (Richard) of Huron; sons Patrick (Grace) Casey of Jackson, Miss. and Michael (Bridget) Casey of Austin, Texas; his sisters, Leona Hasen of Austintown and Peggy Fly of Lake Worth, Fla.; brother William (Geri) Casey of Youngstown; his grandchildren, Richard, Michelle, Megan, Jessica, Jacob, Ryan, Andrew and Caitlin; seven great-grandchildren; and his many nieces, nephews and other relatives, whom he dearly loved.

Visitation for friends and relatives will be held at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starrs Centre Drive, Canfield, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016.

A prayer service will be held at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home in Canfield at 9:15 a.m., Saturday, April 30, 2016, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic's Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown.

Family requests memorial donations be made to Golden String Inc., a non-profit organization that provides recreational activities to children with special needs in our local community, an organization dear to Pat's heart. Donations can be made online at www.goldenstringinc.org.

Please visit the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home online guest book at www.higgins-reardon.com to leave condolences.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the physicians and staff at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, particularly 8 South Ext., MICU and PCC, who provided excellent care for Pat during his brief time there. May God bless them for their incredible commitment to patient care and overall love shown to those in need.