Obituary of Anthony & Carole Casella

Anthony A. Casella, 95 of Staten Island, passed away, peacefully on Saturday December 25th, 2021, surrounded by family at Richmond University Medical Center in the New Brighton section of Staten Island. Born in Ozone Park, Queens, NY he graduated Andrew Jackson High School in 1944. Anthony then proudly served in the Army during World War II for 2 years. Anthony was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return to the United States, attended the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and graduated in 1949. During the day, Anthony worked repairing woodwind instruments in Manhattan and playing with a variety of orchestral & jazz bands at night. In 1963, Anthony decided to attend City College and there obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music. In 1966 Anthony attended New York University and graduated in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in Music Education. Anthony married Carole Donnelly on September 14th, 1963 and remained together until his passing on December 25th 2021. They happily raised two children Anthony and Michael while residing in Jackson Heights, Queens and then in Westerleigh, Staten Island. Anthony was a music teacher for the NYC Department of Education, beginning his career in 1966 until retiring in 1991. Anthony, while at the Department of Education, taught orchestral music at Julia Richman High School before transferring to Staten Island where he taught music at Public School 52, Public School 29 and finishing off his career at Public School 11. Anthony loved to play music he would spend hours practicing his flute, clarinet, alto & tenor saxophones. He loved to teach music and so continued teaching well into his 80’s. Anthony also loved to play golf. After his retirement, Anthony moved with his wife Carole to The Villages, a retirement community in Florida where Anthony continued to play in a jazz band and golfed daily. Anthony is predeceased by his wife Carole of over 58 years. He is survived by his son Anthony R. Casella and his wife Marla Casella of Staten Island NY; his other son Michael R. Casella and his wife Carolyn Casella of Staten Island NY; 5 grandchildren, Dominic, James, Noelle, Stephen, and Samantha. Anthony is also survived by his sister Teresa Palladino. Visitation at Matthew Funeral Home 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island on Thursday 1/13/2022 from 3 pm – 9 pm. On 1/14/2022, a mass at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church will be held at 10:30 am follow by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery on Clove Road.