Albert J. Casale, M.D., 79, beloved husband of Lois Helen (Johns) Casale, passed away on May 27, 2014 in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford, son of the late Joseph and Rosalina Mary Casale.

He was a Graduate of Bulkley High School, Hartford CT class of 1952; and a Graduate of Trinity College, Hartford CT class of 1956. He then attended Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, graduating in 1960. Albert retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as Captain in 1969.

Dr Casale went into private practice with Drs. Turco and Haugh in 1965 and retired from Casale & Spinella Orthopaedic Associates in 2002 to the dismay of his devoted patients. He held staff appointments at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center (Senior Attending Emeritus), Rocky Hill State Veterans Hospital, Mt Sinai Hospital, CT Children’s Medical Center and University of CT Health Center.

Dr. Casale was a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Eastern Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Fellow of American College of Surgeons, State Medical Society of CT and the Hartford County Medical Society. He was a physician to the former Hartford Knights Semi-Pro Football team, Hartford Jai Alai, the Hartford Whalers and numerous local CT High Schools.

As a doctor, dad touched so many lives. In his heart and soul he was a true caregiver, healing people physically as well as emotionally. Of all his accomplishments in his life, his greatest and most cherished achievement was his family. Dad passed surrounded by the love of his life, his wife of 57 glorious years, Lois Helen (Johns); and his four children, and daughters-in-law - Cyndi Makki, Greg & Hatsie Casale, Joseph Casale, Doug & Meredith Casale, and his seven prized grandchildren – Nadia Makki, Matthew, Lauren & Holly Casale, Devon, Dara & Mason Casale.

Dad is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Wilma and Richard Christiana and brother-in-laws, Will Johns (pre-deceased by Eydie Johns) and Raymond Spalla (pre-deceased by Marion Johns Spalla). Being an only child, Albert had special relationships with his cousins – Richard & Judy Casale, Donald & Joan Debella, Rose & Pat Laraia, Joyce Christiana, Joe & Carol Casale, and pre-deceased by Frank Toro and Molly Toro – and many other cousins, nieces and nephews for which he was a Godfather to nine of them. Albert had a life-long close friend in Cindy Duncan, who worked in his practice for 35 years and made the best brownies, which dad looked forward to on all special occasions. Several peers he held in great esteem – Dr Joseph Carpentieri, Dr Russell Ciafone, Dr John Rodgers, Dr Anthony Spinella, and Dr Vincent Turco.

The best of times were spent at family gatherings at Point-O-Woods beach in Old Lyme, in Pompano Beach Florida, at Riding High Dude Ranch, and at mom and dad’s home in West Hartford. The memories made there will hold a special place in our hearts and in those of his grandchildren who he had a special bond with. Dad loved his pets, often referring to Ozzie as his fourth son and his cars, three of which he had a special fondness for – all convertibles.

The family wants to express special gratitude to Dr. Ciafone and his staff, Dr. Rodgers and his staff, Dr. Richard Soucier and his staff, Masonicare Care and the staff at St. Francis Hospital, 5-1 CHF.

Friends may call at The Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford on Friday, May 30, from 10-11AM. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield, at 12 noon. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.