- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
John Casella
Johnny, the baby of the family, was raised to be a respectful, dedicated, and hardworking man. As a dad, he was a pushover, as long as you didn’t push too hard. He coached both of his kids passionately and didn’t think twice about driving hours to be on the sidelines to support the team. Coach John knew how to push the Kingsway Youth Football team; however, he was preparing them for more than just the Saturday game. To the outside eye, he was simply coaching a sport, but he taught them unforgettable morals and shaped them into the men they are today. Not only did Johnny coach football, but he also stepped up for the girl’s youth lacrosse team. Johnny didn’t know much about lacrosse, but when the team needed a coach, he decided to watch a few videos and learn the rules. He even coached his team to several winning seasons. He would tell the girls, “Joggy Joggy, you’re burning daylight.”
In his early years, he played football himself at Kingsway and was voted best looking- a fact that he frequently mentioned and would never let you forget. Johnny cultivated friendships that lasted a lifetime. The same buddies who joined him in his grammar school shenanigans, were by his side years later, as he took his position to be a prominent Woolwich resident. He worked in Concrete for most of his life at Azzari’s—where it was more about the art of perfecting the craft than just clocking in and out. Later in life, he would work at Good Fellows Concrete with his brother, Sam, still seeking that same perfection while deepening his love for the craft.
Johnny spent a lot of his free time in the beautiful home he and his wife built for their family. You would see him most “at home” when he was out in the woods, with a shotgun in hand, searching for the biggest buck. He was a fantastic skier in his younger years, on the off chance that you could beat him down the slopes, he would cover you in snow with that little grin planted on his face.
When he was settled in at home, the TV would always be glowing with his favorite shows on the screen. Whether it was The Sopranos, Yellowstone, or any of a dozen shows he’d watch, it gave him great comfort to sit back and relax in the living room. Everyone knew that Christmas was his holiday—he’d gather his whole family for his signature Prime Rib. John was always there to help his friends and family and was an active member of his community. He served on the Woolwich Township planning board and St. Alfio Committee for many years. Johnny wasn’t one for goodbyes. His favorite line was “So’long”- and he’d say it before he went off to some place, “to see a man about a horse”.
One day, he would meet a pretty girl at the Hilltop Restaurant, little did he know how much of an impact she would have on his life. Karen initially blew him off, but within weeks they were “friends until the end” as Johnny had engraved in their wedding rings. Everyone knew that where there was Johnny, there was Karen, always hand in hand. They would marry on a rainy mischief night and share a beautiful 28-year marriage. They were blessed with two incredible children, Nicholas and Sophia. He is survived by his sister, Lucy Ann Casella. He was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore Jr. and Angelina, as well as his brother, Sam. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and several God children.
Join us in celebrating 61 great years on Monday from 5-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9-10:45 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, Swedesboro, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family will be appreciated.
17 Comments
John was a super friendly person who took the time to always say hello. He will be sadly missed by many.
I am a lucky person to say he was a true lifelong friend and will be sorely missed each and every day.
Karen, Nicholas, Sophia and Lucy Ann … My heart goes out to all of you at this most difficult time. Please know I’m always here for all of you. There are no words to express the loss we all feel at this time. I do know that in this storm of life, there truly is soo much love surrounding all of us. Johnny had such a positive impact and made a difference in soo many lives. I know without a doubt he will always be remembered with Love. I’m heartbroken over this sad news .. Johnny was the BIG BROTHER I NEVER had. I am forever grateful that he was a huge part of my life in soo many ways for soo many years. I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us, they continue to live thru us giving us the strength we need to get us thru our darkest hours. May God turn your time of darkness into light again. May He stay by your side during this difficult time. Johnny may be physically gone from our lives but the life he lived and the gifts he gave us will remain in our hearts FOREVER. Until we meet again Johnny …. I’ll miss you terribly … Rest easy BIG BROTHER .. Love You XO
I’m very saddened to hear about this. Know that you will always live on in our thoughts. Rest In Peace my friend.
Karen, Sophia & Nick,
We were devastated when we heard of John’s passing. He made such a big impact on Kyra’s life and I imagine her love of lacrosse was in part, because of him. I’ll never forget the first time I heard him at practice. He told the parents, “Don’t worry, I’m not yelling, I just talk loud.” That was John, larger than life! And we loved him for it. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
Love,
Maripat, Jerry, Garrett, Gillian, Kyra & Gavin Traino
Karen, Sofia and Nick
Please accept my condolences on your loss. John was a dear cherished friend to Tom and I. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
When it came to putting others before himself- that was Johnny. God bless him and his family. May our Heavenly Father welcome him with open arms as he now joins his parents, brother, uncles, aunts, and many other family and friends in eternal glory. Always in our hearts.
Going to miss our Yellowstone talks, work discussions and our talks about Sammy. Keep an eye on us brother, and when you talk to Sammy ask him about the ROLLS! All right Amigo; so long, check you two out on the other side.
My husband and I are deeply saddened by the loss of John. He was a big man with the heart of a teddy bear. Gone to soon. We’re keeping the Casella family in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Michelle & Stan Smith
Alex & Taylor Smith too
To Karen, Nick, Sophia, and the Casella family, our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Casella. What a kind person who cared about everyone and the community. We are grateful for the positive impact, encouragement he gave to our kids as a coach in youth football. When you saw him you were greeted with his infectious smile. Keeping you all in our prayers and may God comfort you during this time of transition.
Lorenzo,Patricia,Lauren,Myles and Chase Matthews
Johnny, forever there will be a void in our hearts! We will treasure all the laughs and good times!
Until we meet again…
Love, Eileen and Shakey Lakey
You and Sam are together once again, Rest In Peace my friend, you will be missed by many, So Long Johnny!
Karen, you and your children have many happy memories, cherish them and be happy for all the good times you spent together with your loving husband.
Lucy Ann, Karen, Nicholas and Sophia,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Johnny was a good friend to me back in high school. So many memories of those years include him and the whole Casella clan. It’s so hard moving forward, Karen. I know because I lost my husband in 2020 at 62 years old. God bless all of you in this difficult time.
Karen, Nicholas, Sophia, May God Walk with you at a time like this, Johnny Rest in Peace, you are in Gods Hands now.
Lucy, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. My sincere sympathy.
I lost a good and loyal friend. I was shocked when I learned of his passing.
Such a tremendous loss, and a great friend. I just saw John at a kingsway football game. He looked great . Speechless. Our condolences to Karen , Nick and Sophia. John will be greatly missed by so many people. He touched so many lives in such a strong and wonderfully positive way.