Obituary of Thomas Cassella

Albany - Thomas [Gaetano] Cassella, 74, of Albany, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Stratton VA Medical Center. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Stephen and Rose Carbone Cassella. As a youth Thomas enlisted in the US Navy. He was assigned to the U.S.S Cromwell, a Carrier Escort vessel, serving his country proudly from 1953-57.Thomas established himself in furniture sales and home decoration, employed on Long Island in Richmond Hill, The Miracle Mile Manhasset, Astoria and finally at J. Michaels, Brooklyn. His unassuming and gentle manner was well noted by both his employers and customers alike . Thomas Cassella is survived by his loving sister, Marie Gemind of Sound Beach, NY, his sister-in-law Barbara Cassella , his nephew Robert DeGradi and Robert's wife, Tina, his niece Rosemarie Weinsheimer and his nephew John Gemind. His brothers Carmine Romano and Stephen Cassella predeceased him. Thomas is also survived by 7 great-nieces and nephews and numerous great grand-nephews and nieces. His presence will be missed at the Tuesday morning Central Avenue Bruegger's Bagel bunch, a fraternal and support group of retired men. Thomas Cassella's companion of 42 years, Charles Zimmerman, and Charles' partner, Matthew Thornton, also mourn the loss. A Memorial Service at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, NY is planned for a future date. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to The Albany City Historian Virginia Bowers Memorial Fundraiser, Friends of Schuyler Mansion, 32 Catherine Street, Albany, NY 12202.