Raymond P. Casatelli

Raymond P. Casatelli, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 100 years of age.

He was born on May 14, 1923,in Utica, New York, son of the late Assunta and Raffale Casatelli. Throughout his life, he maintained a close relationship with God and his faith.  He experienced several brushes with death, including serving three years in the European Theater in Germany through WWII and a near fatal car crash years after.  Raymond maintained that it was his faith and prayers, and perhaps a little luck from his patron Saint Anthony, that got him through the toughest times, and also brought him and his wife together after the war.  Jenny and Ray had lost touch through the war, but Ray happened upon Jenny waiting for the bus on Genesee Street one fateful night after he had returned, and the rest would be history.  On June 25, 1947, he married the love of his life, Jenny Anelli, and they would enjoy a marriage of 74 years thereafter.  In their day, Ray and Jenny could often be found dancing the tango, waltz, or jitterbug at their favorite haunts, including Trinkaus Manor and Post 229.  His love of music carried throughout his life and he enjoyed listening to live music at concerts in the park and playing popular tunes on his keyboard.  Ray loved taking long walks and visiting with neighbors along the way.

Ray was a truly devoted husband, loving father, brother, uncle, and popular personality around Utica throughout his life.  Up until the end, he would make friends wherever he was.  His sweet and magnetic nature made him a staple at The Grand in Utica, where he spent his last years.  He was a wonderful friend to many of the parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua, as well as those he became associated with while in the fur business with his uncle, Thomas Danella, a prominent furrier in his time.  After many years in the fur business, Ray moved on to work in the Men’s Suits & Coats Department of the Boston Store, then concluded his working career at Anderson Little.  He also volunteered for many years at St. Luke’s Hospital with his wife, in retirement.

Throughout retirement, he enjoyed winters in Florida with Jenny and her brother, Lou Anelli, and his family.  While in Florida, he enjoyed creating memories sailing on the Indian River.  He also traveled overseas to Italy and the Bahamas, and to Canada, Texas, and Maine.

Ray will be remembered and missed for his friendly, loving, and loyal character.  He leaves behind a void for his family and friends that can only be filled with the comfort of knowing that he is now resting in peace, reunited with his love, Jenny.

Surviving Ray is his daughter Susan Warwick and son in law Robert Warwick, of Whitesboro, his sons Raymond L. Casatelli, of New Hartford, and Gary Casatelli, of San Antonio, Texas.  Also, his six beloved grandchildren, Nicole Kamesaki and husband Lyle Kamesaki, Kimberly Warwick and husband Patrick Sullivan, Ryan Casatelli and wife Elizabeth Casatelli, Daniel Casatelli, Gary Casatelli, Nicholas Casatelli and wife Cassie Casatelli and five beloved great-grandchildren, Emi and Nina Kamesaki, Elora Sullivan, and Maizie and MacKenzie Casatelli as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sisters Louise Centolella and Genevieve Tomaino.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 12:00 noon in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of mass in church.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Ray’s caregivers who kept him safe and loved during the final years of his life.