Louis Casciani Jr. – Monongahela
Louis Casciani Jr., 94, of Monongahela, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 10, 2019, at the age of 94. He was born Oct. 10, 1924 and grew up in New Eagle. His father, Louis Casciani, an immigrant from a small town in Florence, Italy, was introduced to Regina Furiga. They married and had two sons, Leroy and Lou Jr. One of his interests growing up was baseball, playing right field for the New Eagle team coached by his uncle, Frank Furiga. He was called “Lightfoot Louie” due to his great speed. His other interests were cars and roller skating. Lou was a welder by trade until he was called to duty by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Lou was stationed on the USS Midway, later named the USS St. Lo. He was a ship fitter and made repairs to the ship’s structure. While on his tour of duty, his ship was attacked. This attack was the largest naval battle of World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He escaped the raging fires of the St. Lo when a shipmate pushed him off the ship. Lou was awarded a Purple Heart due to the injuries he suffered. Since the end of the war, Lou kept in touch with his fellow shipmates. At the age of 20, he returned home after the war to marry his sweetheart, Dolores Howard. He then returned to San Francisco to continue his duty and complete his papers to be discharged from the Navy in 1945. Lou and Dolores started their family in 1947 with the birth of their son, David Louis. Their second son, Ronald Sherman, was born in 1948, and their daughter, Helen Diane, was born in 1954. They shared many fond memories of the marriages of their children, grandchildren and the births of their great-grandchildren. Lou and Dolores celebrated 72 years of marriage and were grateful for the life they had together. For 34 years, he was employed as a welder at the Lee Norse Company in Charleroi until its closing. He was a member of the Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates and participated in the veterans’ parades and other events. He also served as a New Eagle firefighter for 25 years. A member of First Christian Church in Monongahela, Lou looked forward to attending services and visiting with his friends. After the passing of his wife, Dolores on April 15, 2018, Lou lived at Paramount Senior Living in Bethel Park. Lou’s family is grateful for the support and care he received from their staff. His faith in the Lord was very strong and he believed he would be reunited with his beloved Dolores. Lou was an inspiration to all and will be missed but will remain in our hearts forever. He is survived by two sons, David (Virginia) Casciani of McKees Rocks and Ronald (Kathleen) Casciani of Monongahela; a daughter, Helen Diane (Jeff) Wilson of Tidioute, Pa.; seven grandchildren, Marc (Deborah) Casciani, Todd Casciani, Chad Casciani, Gina (Brad) Nalitt, Ryan (Christina) Casciani, Eric Casciani and Brent (Margaret) Davies; nine great-grandchildren, Gianna, Hailey, Mia, Dallas, Jarah, Milena, Sam, Liam and Harry. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., 427 W. Main St., Monongahela, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019, with the Rev. Janet Scott-Mace officiating. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 630 Chess St., Monongahela, PA 15063. The Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates will conduct a Two-Bell Ceremony at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.
