Joseph Casablanca Sr., 68, of Shelton, a retired driver for the United Parcel Service, died June 18, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Sandra DAmicol Casablanca for 43 years. Son of the late Domenico and Gaetana Cacopardo Casablanca, he was born in Santa Maria Della Strada, Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy. Mr. Casablanca came to the United States in 1953 at the age of 11, and became a naturalized citizen in 1962. He grew up in Bridgeport and moved to Shelton in 1968.

Mr. Casablanca graduated from Central High School in 1961. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 191 Retiree Chapter; an Army Reservist; a member of the Tricacria M.A. Society; the B.P.O.E. 36; the Marchigiana Society; and a social member of the Highland Golf Club.  Joe enjoyed his weekly trips to Hunts Point, N.Y., with his friend Sal Mancuso and spending time with his friends and customers at the Donut Center, his family said. He always enjoyed a good game of cards. Joe will always be remembered for his big heart and willingness to do anything for his family and friends, his family said.

Besides his wife, survivors include his children, Dr. Domenic  Casablanca and his wife, Donna, of Oxford, Karen Bonitatebus and her husband, Anthony, of Shelton, Angela Casablanca Albert and her husband, Thomas, of Shelton, and Joseph Casablanca Jr., of Shelton; a brother, Sebastian Casablanca and his wife, Mariann, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Domenic Jr., Alexa, Kathryn and Anthony Casablanca, Jordyn and Anthony Bonitatebus and Morgan Albert, and several nieces and nephews.

CASABLANCA Joseph Casablanca, Sr., age 68, of Shelton, a retired driver for the United Parcel Service, died peacefully on Friday, June 18, 2010 surrounded by his family. Born in Santa Maria Della Strada, Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy, he was the son of the late Domenico and Gaetana Cacopardo Casablanca. Joe came to the United States in 1953 at the age of 11 years and became a naturalized citizen in 1962. He grew up in Bridgeport and moved to Shelton in 1968. Joe graduated from Central High School Class of 1961. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 191 Retiree Chapter, an Army Reservist, a member of the Tricacria M.A. Society, the B.P.O.E. 36, the Marchigiana Society and a social member of the Highland Golf Club. Joe enjoyed his weekly trips to Hunts Point, NY, with his friend Sal Mancuso and spending time with his friends and customers at the Donut Center. He always enjoyed a good game of cards. Joe will always be remembered for his big heart and willingness to do anything for his family and friends. Survivors include his beloved wife of 43 years, Sandra D'Amicol Casablanca, his children, Dr. Domenic Casablanca and his wife, Donna, of Oxford, Karen Bonitatebus and her husband, Anthony, of Shelton, Angela Casablanca Albert and her husband, Thomas, of Shelton, and Joseph Casablanca, Jr., of Shelton. He is also survived by a brother, Sebastian Casablanca and his wife Mariann, of West Palm Beach, FL, seven grandchildren, Domenic Jr., Alexa, Kathryn and Anthony Casablanca, Jordyn and Anthony Bonitatebus and Morgan Albert, and several nieces and nephews.