James Peter Casey, age 92, of Newport, RI, passed away peacefully at Newport Hospital, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. James was born November 24, 1924, to John and Kathryn Casey.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Audrey J. Casey, and their 10 children, 22 grandchildren, and 14 greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathleen and Constance Casey.
James was a life-long Newport resident, attending Newport public schools and RI School of Design.
While serving in the Army in WWII, he participated in the crossing of the Rapido River and the Battle of Monte Cassino. His medals include 6 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for Bravery.
Following the war he was a Trappist monk for 2 years before working as a calligrapher and stone carver at the John Stevens Shop in Newport. During his tenure there some of his carving works included Rockefeller’s Credo at Rockefeller Center in NYC, the John F. Kennedy Memorial, and inscriptions at the Prudential Center in Boston, as well as many other noteworthy works. He later worked at the Newport Restoration Foundation.
James had a lifelong interest in boating, nature, and the outdoors in general. He was a master craftsman and artisan who continued his work until his recent illness.
He is survived by his children, Timothy, Stephen (Sally), Martin (Martha), Barbara (Timothy) O’Donnell, Susan (David) Jorgensen, Bernadette (John) Griffin, Cecilia (Leslie) Humphrey, Monica (Walter) Chihara, Philip (Lora), Anne (Brian) Magnan, and all their children, grandchildren, and extended families.
Calling hours will be on Monday, June 19, 2017 from 4-7, at O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport.
A Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial to follow at St. Columba’s Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s organ restoration fund (Souls in Harmony), 12 William Street, Newport, RI 02840 or charity of choice.
Condolences and additional information at www.oneillhayes.com
