James A. Casella

James A. Casella

James A. "Jim" Casella, 78, of Erie, passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022 after a hard-fought battle with a rare form of Kidney Cancer. He was born March 20, 1943 in Erie, a son of the late James and Marguerite Calabrese Casella.

Jim was a 1961 graduate of Strong Vincent High School and attended Edinboro and Gannon University.

He worked for the City of Erie beginning as a surveyor, then as an engineering technician, and lastly as the Assistant Director of Public Works; where he oversaw the redesign of Erie Golf Course before retiring.

In his early years, Jim was the owner of Beauty by Miquel and The Alternative Bar. He also owned Cars on Parade and currently Liberty Auto Sales where he worked daily alongside his two sons for the last 30 years.

Jim owned race horses for 50 years and participated in races all over the country and also in many handicap contests. He was a Corvette enthusiast, a member of PROBUS Club of Erie, The Giuseppe Mazzini Civic Association, Sons of Italy, and The Holy Name Society. He volunteered every year at the Italian festival.

Family was the most important aspect of Jim's life. He closely followed his children and grandchildren's schooling and all their sports. He coached basketball and baseball for numerous years. He had a quick wit and "He worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oil and clay. It was his true medium, a master."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Dennis James Casella; grandson, Hayden Scott Robson; granddaughter, Violet Louise Casella; and father-in-law, Frank Kwitowski.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia Kwitowski Casella; two sons, James A. Casella (Ashley) and David M. Casella; two daughters, Patricia Orlando Graziano (Michael) and Kathleen Orlando Robson (Scott); ten grandchildren, Angela Purchase (fiancé Richie DiLoreto, II), Sara Purchase, Malia Robson, Juliauna Casella, Jaelynn Casella, Kelsey Truman, Ciana Robson, Little Dave Casella, Ava Pancerev, and Vito Casella; and great-grandson, Richard Allen DiLoreto, III. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Louise Pagliari Kwitowski; sister-in-law, Francine Cerami (Bill); brother-in-law, Frank Kwitowski (Bonnie) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., masks will be required, and may attend a Funeral Mass on Thursday at Saint Paul Church, 1617 Walnut Street, at 10:00 a.m.

The family would like to thank Paul and Cheryl Pontillo for all their love and support.