Timothy Francis Casey

Timothy Francis Casey, CSM U.S. Army (Ret) 76, of Pepperell, formerly of Bedford, MA, died in his home on December 23, 2016, of failing health. He was the devoted husband of 52 years to Nita Leger Casey, loving father of daughter Kathleen Sanz and her husband Michael of Hilton Head, SC ;son Timothy Jr and his wife Kim of Pepperell; son Patrick and his wife Melissa of Hagerstown, MD and 6 grandchildren: Brandon, Brittany, Keelin, Aidan, Camden and Carson; his younger brother, David of East Bridgewater and the late Thomas R. Casey. Mr. Casey, born in Somerville, MA, son of the late Timothy and Blanche (Cochrane) Casey. After serving 26 years in the US Army Tim retired as a US Army Command Sergeant Major. During several tours of combat duty in Vietnam he was awarded a Bronze Star.

Tim’s family will be receiving guests for visitation at the Hamilton-McGaffigan Funeral Home Wednesday, December 28th, 2016 from 5 - 8 PM with a Mass of Christian burial Thursday 10:00 AM December 29, 2016. At Our Lady of Grace Parish worshipping at St Joseph’s Church 28 Tarbell St. Pepperell MA.

During his military career his decorations and awards include Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf cluster, Good Conduct 8th award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon 5th award.

He was an active member in American Legion of North New Portland Post 0173 in Maine he was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Westford, Mass.

Growing up in Bedford, Tim would always have been remembered for driving a 1940 Ford Coupe. He met his wife, Nita, while stationed in France in 1964. Tim loved spending time with his French family and was adored by all of them.  He spent the next 25 of his military years overseas living in France, Panama, Italy and Germany. He was an active amateur radio operator under the call sign W1EII. Tim also worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Labs for 15 years in Westford, MA. Tim also worked for the Department of Homeland Security supporting MERS Frederick Communication Support Team supporting major events such as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita and special events like the Presidential State of the Union Address.

Tim always loved the outdoors and built a cabin on Gilman Pond for his family to enjoy vacationing on a beautiful lake in the mountains. In his retirement it was his favorite place to be surrounded by good friends and family. He was also fond of returning to Ireland and exploring his roots.  He tremendously enjoyed researching his Irish ancestry as well as compiling detailed compilations and detailed interviews for the Korean Prisoners of War (Tiger Survivors) organization, who also made Tim an honorary member.  Tim was also involved in the United Nations negotiations in exchange for food for the release of POW remains. His dedicated research was credited by the Pentagon and in several books.

He will always be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a true American patriot and a highly decorated soldier, who dedicated his life to his family and to his country.

Anyone desiring to do so may make a memorial contribution in his name to the American Lung Association www.lung.org , which would be deeply appreciated by his family.