John P. Casey, Sr.
John Patrick Casey, Sr. of La Grange Park, IL
Born December 7, 1932 in Streator, IL, to the late Henry B. and Honore E. (Hoarty) Casey.
Passed away May 24, 2025 in La Grange, IL at the age of 92.
Beloved by his wife of 68 years, Rosemary A. (Palaschak) Casey, and his children Colleen Casey (Tim Maloney) of San Antonio, TX, Kelly Casey of Colorado Springs, CO, Maureen Casey of Edmond, OK, John Patrick, Jr. (Tracey) Casey of Lake Havasu, AZ, Bridget (Bill) Boyd of Grand Ridge, IL, Sheila (Andrew) Higney of Western Springs, IL and Margaret (Mike) Arnold of Western Springs, IL. He was adored by his 16 grandchildren – Phillip, Alana, Adam, Casey, Andrew, Kendall, Kennedy, Kyle, Jessica, Garrett, Caroline, Corinne, Erin, Owen, Gretchen, and Ella, and his 7 great grandchildren.
John is predeceased by his parents, brother James William, and son Michael James.
John’s education began in a one-room country school, Paddy Ridge District 97. He graduated from Streator High School, where he played football and baseball, and received his Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Notre Dame in 1954.
John served in the U.S. Army from November 1954 until September 1956, stationed at Fort Carson, CO with the 8th Infantry Division. Upon discharge from the army, John returned to the Casey farm in Grand Ridge, IL where he farmed and sold agricultural fertilizer, while actively serving on the boards of Grand Ridge Grade School and Ottawa National Bank.
In addition to farming, John had a long career in the automotive parts industry including his role as General Manager at Borg and Beck Division of Borg Warner Corp. in Ottawa, IL. He and Rosemary then resided in Huntington Beach, CA where he was head of North American Sales for Kolon California Corporation and traveled often to Seoul, Korea. Edmond, OK was the last stop in his career, where he was General Manager of Pioneer Automotive Parts, Clutch Division until 2002.
John and Rosemary retired to Western Springs, IL in 2006 and eventually moved to Bethlehem Woods Village in La Grange Park, IL in 2016.
John’s strong faith, his quick Irish wit, his never-ending support for the Cubs and the Fighting Irish, and his fierce love of family will be forever cherished.
Visitation 10am until time of Funeral Mass, 11am, on Saturday, May 31st at St. John of the Cross Parish, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Family and friends to meet directly at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Streator, IL at 2pm.
Additional Information: 708-352-6500
So very sorry to hear this. Please know Flip and I are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Mr. Casey was the epitome of a gentleman with smiling Irish eyes if ever I saw any! His family is a reflection of his faith & love. I am so grateful that not only did I get to know him….but my mom, dad and daughter Kelly…who has the delightful joy of sharing a birthday with her dear Erin…all had the wonderful pleasure of knowing him! How lucky are we? ☘️ May his spirit be felt when you call to him! Xo
Mr.Casey hired me at Borg and Beck.
He was a great boss and a great man.
I worked there for 25 years.
Sending her deepest condolences to the family.
Esther Granados
My mother’s cousin. Claire Welsh Brown. She thought the world of him! I remember Rose and John’s wedding. The celebration on the grounds of the Casey farm will live long in memory.
My mother’s cousin, too — Kathryn Casey Vicars of Pontiac. The beloved Casey family. The farm, the family and all that surrounded it are deep memories for me. Rest in peace dear cousin.
John was my mother’s, Kathryn Casey Vicars, cousin, too. So many memories of the beautiful farm and the hospitality of our family. Deep condolences to all of you.
Rosemary and family, we all loved John! What a caring spirit he was. He hired me at Borg Warner after college to get a car to get to my first teaching job. He was respected by all because he showed respect to all. I held him in high regard as did my mother, Genevieve Welsh. He was humble and big at the same time. I loved sharing a joke with him and watching those eyes twinkle. God Bless him and your entire family! Pat Chaney Speno