John Cascio

Age 95, formerly of Elmira, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2014, in Fairfax VA, where he has resided for the past six years at the Arden Courts. John was born February 7, 1918, a son of Anthony and Catherine (Mazzacua) Cascio. He is predeceased by his first wife Mary Santone Cascio in 1971 and his second wife Eleanor Schwer Cascio in 1998. John is also predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Tony Malone, Antoinette and James Sullivan, Marie and Myron Crispino, Carl Morrell, Michael Santone, brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph Cascio, Lawrence and Charlotte Cascio. He is survived by his children, with their spouses, John T. and Ruth Cascio, Deland FL, Dee A. Cascio and Tom Haddock, Herndon VA, Joseph M. and Lynn Cascio, Elmira, Charles M. Cascio, Reston VA and Catherine A. and Thomas Dunleavy, Burke VA; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; sister, Amelia Morrell, Virginia; sister-in-law Carol Santone, Texas; along with several nieces and nephews. John graduated from Elmira Free Academy, continuing his education at Cortland State College earning his BS in Education and then receiving his Master's Degree in Education from Cornell University. He was a navigator serving his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII. John then transitioned to the Air Force where he was a Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy recruiting high school students. Upon his retirement from the Air Force John had attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John's career in education started as a teacher in a one room school house. He later became vice principal at Southside High School, served in the Education Administrative Office, then served as principal at Diven School and later Hendy Avenue School, retiring in June 1980. John was an avid golfer and outdoorsman enjoying both hunting and fishing. While in Elmira he was a Rotarian for over 50 years, served on the board, and was a volunteer, with the American Cancer Society and was also a former President of the American Red Cross Board. John was also a life time communicant of St. Anthony's Church. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Friday, February 7, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. John's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at St. Mary's Church, Elmira, at 10:00 a.m. Interment, with committal prayers and military honors, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember John with a donation to the National Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago IL 60601....www.alz.org.