Above / Back in 2009, Dan Casey attended an event at Hugo’s Frog Pond to welcome a new community bank to Naperville. (PN File Photo)
With a very heavy heart and condolences to his family, we report that our longtime friend and generous community supporter, Dan Casey, age 67, died early Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. Dan was a valuable contributor to many good things happening in our city and especially Little Friends, Inc.
More than a few times, this publication quoted the successful independent business owner for his concise thought about shopping locally, a dozen words that could apply to every place in the world.
‘Support your local businesses and you’ll always live in a nice community.’ —Dan Casey
A complete obituary is pending. Update: Arrangements regarding visitation and funeral services are by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A memorial mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 12:00 PM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Kingston & Front Streets, Lisle, IL with Rev. Gregory Rothfuchs officiating. / The celebration of Dan’s life will continue at Naperville Country Club, 25W570 Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-6015 (times are pending).
Meanwhile, this website and our files are chock full of photos and memories of times when Dan Casey was doing good things for others. Perhaps you were there with Dan and his wife, Jill, at Little Friends’ annual galas, St. Patrick’s Residence events, Rotary Rides, local parades and festivals. Or maybe Dan greeted you when you dropped off coins for the Salvation Army at Christmastime, donations for Buddy Poppies in support of Veterans the week before Memorial Day or gently-used items for coat collections in the box provided at Casey’s Foods.
And, of course, there were many moments of kindness that nobody will ever know because that’s just how Dan Casey was.
Then when PN was celebrating its first sweet 16 years in 2017, two independent local business owners known for their bratwurst stepped up to help us promote the daily grind during a photo opportunity at Fredenhagen Park. Of course, one was Dan Casey.
We’re aware that many of you have wonderful memories of a caring, devoted, generous and fun-loving member of this community. We’re all better for knowing Dan.
Little Friends, Inc., 27555 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL, 60555, (630) 355-6533, https://www.littlefriendsinc.org/donate.
Kindly note that at 2PM Wed., Feb. 8, 2023, Casey’s Foods will close in honor, respect, and gratitude for Dan Casey and to celebrate his life and legacy.
May 2019 Story / Casey’s Foods Naperville new ownership
Update, Feb. 23, 2023 / Dan Casey would have celebrated his 68th birthday on Feb. 28, 2023. Five percent of all sales at Casey’s Foods on that date will be donated to Little Friends in honor & memory of Dan on his birthday. Dan’s generous and community-driven legacy will be forever remembered.
