Frederick A. Casaia, 91, of Duryea, went to his eternal rest at his home on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Born in the Keystone Section of Plains Township, on July 4, 1925, youngest son of Denaiel and Genoeffa Benzi Casaia.
He graduate from Plains High School. He served in the United States Army during World War II, with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, brothers, Felix Bechetti; Frank Casaia and sister, Josephine (Pina) Pascucci.
Fred is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jean the former Regina Yasulitis; three biological children and two step children, Maureen (Casaia) Padavan and her husband Joseph, Bear Creek; David Casaia, Bear Creek; Dr. Mark Casaia and his wife Crystal, Easton, Ralph Riviello, Scranton and Lisa Riviello and fiancé Ed Izzo, Florida; three grandchildren, Lindsay Padavan, Wilkes-Barre; Anthony Sulla Jr., Old Forge and Kyle Duggan (Casaia), Easton; several nieces and nephews.
Fred was quite a go-getter and had his own trucking company in his early 20’s. After that, he worked in construction operating heavy equipment which led to his involvement with unions and fighting for workers’ rights which became his lifelong passion. Starting as a job steward with United Mine Workers Union, he quickly became an officer with the Local 14458 and was a backbone figure of Local Unions in the 60’s and 70’s. Eventually he worked with District 50 and United Steelworkers Union becoming a staff representative and then a sub-District Director on a national level. He was a co-founder of the Pension fund for the Heavy Highway Group of the United Steelworkers. He initiated a yearly banquet at the Mayfair Supper Club and also a yearly union day at Angela Park for union members and families.
He founded Casaia Trucking Company with his son David Casaia.
He was a very accomplished accordion player beginning as a young boy and was the leader of a popular band in the 50’s and 60’s called the Boulevard Quartet.
Fred was devoted to his beloved wife Jean and they enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV especially to Florida and Nashville. Fred adored his family and will be greatly missed. He lived a full and rewarding life for which we are thankful.
The family would like to extend our deepest, sincere thanks to Celtic Hospice Nurses and Aides, especially to Teresa, Sandy Z., Reese and Deb who provided great comfort to the family. Special thanks to Ed and Mary Ann Pintha for all their love and support, wonderful neighbors.
Funeral will be Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11am from the Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William Street, Pittston. Interment will follow in Marcy Cemetery, Duryea. Friends may call Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 5pm to 8pm and Friday, September 9, 2016 from 10am-11am at the funeral home.