Michael passed to our Lord peacefully on April 13, 2026, in Osage Beach Missouri, a day after his sister Jean. He was born on May 5, 1933, in Rochester, New York to Mary and Pat Casella.

Michael is preceded in death by his Wife Margaret, Mother Mary “Babe”, Father Pat, Brother Patrick “PJ”, Sister Jean, and Granddaughter Nicole. He is survived by Brothers James (California), John (Rochester); Son: Mark Casella; Daughters: Nancy Wick, Michele Majetich, Susan Paulsen; Grand Children: Angela, Bianca, Jennifer, Kristin, Nathan, Joshua, Cassie, David; Great Grand Children: Dionte, Amani, Miles Mackenzie, Skye, Sadie, Milla, Cameron, Caden; Great-Great Grand Children: Jasper, Scarlet.

He was an Alumni of Class of 1950 from the Aquinas Institute of Rochester, and a Graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Social Science) from St. John Fischer College (1956) in Rochester New York.

He was inducted into the Army in September 1956 and served on active duty until September 1958. He continued in the Army Reserves until receiving an honorable discharge in August 1962. During his service, he was part of the U.S. Army ShowMobile unit, entertaining troops stateside, where he met his first wife, Carol.

After leaving the Army, Michael settled in Rochester, where he worked at WBBF Radio in the early 1960s, followed by a role with the Monroe County Republican Party as a Public Relations/Publicity Assistant. In 1973, he moved with his family to the Denver area, where he worked for Action as a Program Specialist and later for the Public Service Company of Colorado as an Editorial Coordinator until 1981.

He returned to Rochester in 1981 (where he met his wife Margaret) and joined WROC Channel 8 News. Viewers described him as “a man with a dynamic smile that’s hard to forget.” In 1996, he retired to Osage Beach, Missouri, with his wife, Margaret. During retirement, he worked part-time for FEMA as a field specialist, assisting with regional disaster response efforts in the early 2000s. He was involved in local theater in the Rochester area in productions including “the Music Man” and “the Fantasticks” to name a few. He performed for charity events, weddings, funerals wherever he lived.

He described himself as a devout Catholic, was a cantor at his church in Camdenton and was very involved in all parish activities with Margaret. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoyed target practice, hunting, and fishing (Margaret always caught more)! Enjoyed playing cards (especially frustration) with his wife, friends and grandchildren.

He was active in multiple charities in his community. He was an avid reader, writer, and wordsmith, emphasizing his intellectual pursuits and love for language. He was described as a man “with a touch of casual down homeness, with polish”, and had a memorable presence. His legacy is one of kindness, community involvement, and a zest for life. His life was marked by service, creativity, faith, and love for family and community.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 CDT, on Friday May 22, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Camdenton Missouri. Visitation will be held in the church, prior to the mass, from 10:00 - 11:00 CDT. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. 

Donations instead of flowers to favorite charities in Michael’s name would be greatly appreciated by his family.