Joseph Casale

Saratoga Springs - Joseph A. Casale, age 88, formerly Herkimer, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 18, 2025, following a brief illness. He was born in 1936 and built a wonderful life with his childhood sweetheart, Frances Pape Casale. Joe was employed by the Herkimer Fire Department from 1964 where he went on to become Chief until his retirement in 1998. He loved the brotherhood and his community. The Casale’s were communicants of St. Frances De Sales Church in Herkimer and later, St. Mary’s in Ballston Spa and St. James in Lake Pleasant.  Joe was a very faith-filled person and was ready to meet his maker.

Joe and Fran lived for their family and were a huge part of their kids’ lives. They loved their time at the lake, skiing, their garage parties and never missed a game, play, event or local activity. As their kids got older, they spent time on themselves. Ski trips with the “tumbledowns” became some of their fondest memories.

Upon retirement. Joe and Fran relocated to Saratoga Springs where they spent many years following their grandchildren’s activities. They were a regular staple at softball tournaments, baseball games, dance recitals and awards ceremonies. They spent summer months at Halfmoon Beach, Piseco Lake where they made many friends and great memories. They were married for 52 years until Fran’s untimely passing in 2009. Joe would spend the next fifteen years helping his family with projects and splitting his time for adventures with his grandkids. He was so proud of all of them and the paths they had chosen. He loved traveling to Herkimer to visit his brothers and bonus family, the Woodricks. Joe looked forward to his yearly trip to hunting camp with his brothers, son, grandson and nephews, and the annual golf outing with his fireman family.

Joe loved music of any kind, especially tributes to Johnny Cash. He found a home at The Saratoga Winery, where you could find him almost every Friday night. He was so grateful for the friends he made there and the time and attention he received from the owners, employees, entertainers and patrons over the years.  Each one had a special place in his heart.

In addition to his loving wife. Joe was predeceased by his son-in-law, Earl Hoosier, his parents, Edo and Margaret (Piscione) Casale, brothers, Tony Casale and Chick Piscione, sisters-in-law Joyce Casale and Margaret Piscione, sisters Marianne Ray and Frances Rando and their spouses, Dutch Ray and Robert Rando, brothers-in-law Robert Pape and spouse Rose Pape, Joseph Pape, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is survived by his brother, George Casale and his wife, Peggy, his children, Suzanne Carter (Tom Camardello), Marianne Hoosier and Joseph Casale (Ruth Greminger) , grandchildren, Stefanie Carter, Kaleigh Carter (Ryan Reavey), Tyler (Brittany) Hoosier,  Benjamin and Haley Casale. Also left to fill the void are Jim, Carol, Karly, Kelsey, Kaylyn, Kathryn Woodrick and their families, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Saratoga Hospital D-wing for their tender care during his time there and transition to Hospice Care. It truly made all the difference.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-7pm on Monday, July 28, 2025 at V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, 203 Second Ave., Frankfort, NY 13340.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at St. Francis De Sales Church, 219 N. Bellinger St., Herkimer, NY 13350.

Burial will follow in the family plot at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Herkimer Professional Firefighters Local #2484 Monument Fund, 125 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY 13350.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.