Gennaro ''Jerry'' Casale

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gennaro Casale, affectionately known as Jerry, who peacefully left us at the age of 71 on March 16, 2025, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his loving children. Gennaro's departure leaves a profound emptiness, but his legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. A proud member of Local 30 Union for over 40 years, Gennaro worked at Lincoln Center's David Koch Theater, where he was respected and beloved by his colleagues. Known for his strong work ethic and devotion to his craft, Gennaro's greatest trait was his generous heart and unshakable love for his family. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Gennaro was a celebrated football player at Midwood High School, where he forged lifelong friendships and earned the admiration of his peers. His love for sports, especially drag racing, extended into his adult years, where he once again found joy in the world of racing with his cherished Dodge Challenger, which he proudly named Locomotion. Gennaro dedicated time to maintaining and racing his car in Florida, continuing a passion that had been part of him for much of his life. He also enjoyed building his beloved race car, the Roadrunner, in his younger years. His love for his family was immeasurable, there was nothing that brought him more joy. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Gennaro was a gentle giant, with a warmth that made everyone feel welcome and valued. He shared a special bond with his goddaughters, Toni Patricia and Suzanne. Gennaro valued Toni's loving medical guidance, and was deeply proud of Suzanne's music career, even keeping flyers from 1985 as a token of her talent. Gennaro took pride in watching his children and godchildren grow into God-loving, devoted mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives. Above all, Gennaro's pride and joy were his children: Gennaro Anthony, Cristina Ann, and Darlena Maria. They were his world. His love for them only grew deeper with the arrival of his grandchildren: Isabella, Adrianna, Gennaro, Jonathan, and Joseph. As a proud Pop Pop, he would have done anything for his grandchildren, offering them a love and protection that will endure even in his absence. Gennaro was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mariann, the love of his life and best friend, who passed away in 2019. He is also reunited with his parents, Anthony and Anna, his brother Louis, and his brother-in-law Roger in Heaven. Gennaro is survived by his son, Gennaro Anthony Casale, his wife Tara, and their two sons, Gennaro and Joseph; his daughter, Darlena Maria; his daughter, Cristina Ann, her husband Jonathan, and their three children, Isabella, Adrianna, and Jonathan; his sister, Apolonia Frein, and her husband Lawrence; his sister, Geraldine Tooze; his brother, Anthony Casale, and his wife Petra. The love Gennaro gave to his family, friends, and all those who knew him will never be forgotten. While he may no longer be with us, his spirit will forever live in the hearts of those he touched. Gennaro's many friends, from his high school days to his career and beyond, will forever cherish the memories of a man who always made them feel valued and loved. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8pm and Friday 2-4 and 6-8pm at the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, 28 Eltingville Blvd. SINY 10312. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 5411 Amboy Road, SINY 10312. Interment to follow in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Gennaro ''Jerry'' Casale

July 23, 1953 - March 16, 2025