Florida Rep Joseph Casello

Representative Joe Casello Passes Away

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - State Representative Joe Casello (D-Boynton Beach) a retired Worcester Firefighter, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time. A private ceremony will be held in the family’s home state of Massachusetts

Representative Joe Casello served as a Boynton Beach City Commissioner from 2013 through 2018 for District 4. He was appointed as the Vice-Mayor and then elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018.

Born in Worcester, Rep. Casello attended public schools in his community. He graduated from Worcester Industrial Technical Institute in 1972 and Quinsigamond Community College in 2002, where he earned an Associate of Science degree.  The son of a Navy World War II veteran, Rep. Casello honorably served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force in the early 1970s. Assigned to the 212th ANG Unit, he was responsible for installing radio transmission sites throughout the country. In 1974, he was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department and promoted to Lieutenant in 1984. Within the Fire Department, he served in many capacities, including arson investigator, working closely with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.  Rep. Casello was a business owner and licensed electrical contractor. He operated Casello Electrical Services, specializing in residential and commercial electrical design and installation.

His civic engagement includes time spent on the Board of Directors of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, as President of the Knollwood Homeowners Association, and as a member of the Palm Beach Sober Home Task Force as well as the Municipal Retirees Association. He also served on the Board of Trustees for JFK Hospital and has volunteered with Feeding South Florida during the pandemic.  Drawing on his past experiences as a firefighter and service in the Air Force, Joe has been a strong and vocal champion for first responders, police, and firefighters, as well as military veterans. He has sponsored legislation strengthening medical benefits for firefighters who contract cancer in the line of duty. He also worked with his colleagues to pass a joint resolution allowing the surviving spouses of deceased, disabled veterans to continue claiming the same tax credits to which their families were entitled before death.

Florida Services for Joseph are being held August 29th.  Funeral Services, Worcester Fire Department honors, and Burial with Air Force Honors are being planned for Saturday September 13th   Final Details are pending and will be announced soon.    The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to serve the family once more.