Casey, Bernard "Bernie"

On Monday, October 2, 2017, Bernie Casey went home to his heavenly Father after nearly 90 full years of living, learning, teaching and loving so many people he shared time with on this earth. He was a proud Irishman, Catholic, husband, father, grandfather, professor, colleague, friend, veteran and storyteller extraordinaire. Bernard Leo Casey was born on October 31, 1927 in Tipton, Indiana to Leo and Mary Irene (Brady) Casey. He was their only child, and the love of their lives. The Caseys lived in the Midwest when Bernie was young, eventually settling in Phoenix, Arizona in 1950. Bernie served in the U. S. Army in the Pacific Theatre during and after World War II. Bernie met the love of his life, Helen, at a parish young adult group. They were married on November 9, 1957. Together they raised five children and shared a deep devotion to their Catholic faith, volunteering in numerous ministries throughout the years. Throughout the course of his life Bernie held many jobs, but his true passion and career was as a Professor of History at Mesa Community College (MCC) for over 30 years. Bernie was a skilled storyteller and teacher who never stopped learning, ultimately earning his Ed .D. at Arizona State University. He was a mentor, guide and model to countless students. His teaching went well beyond the classroom, and included developing the MCC Honors Program and leading religious workshops. He enjoyed a life well lived, and he was a man well loved by all who knew him. He will be missed, but will live on in the memories and legacy of his family and all the people he has touched along the way. Bernie is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Eileen Casey White (Jim) and Katie Erven, sons James (Suzanne), Kieran (Barbara), and Terence Timothy (Paula), 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation (6-8 p.m.) and Rosary (7 p.m.) will be held on Thursday, October 12 at Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home (Mesa, AZ). Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 13 at the Church of the Resurrection (Tempe, AZ) with interment to follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix, AZ). In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Bernie’s name to St. Vincent DePaul Charities.