George Casale

George Casale, age 86, of Litchfield, NY, passed away on January 10, 2026. He lived his life with purpose, discipline, and a clear sense of right and wrong. Family was at the center of everything he did, and what he accomplished was the result of working together toward shared goals.

George was born on June 10, 1939, in Herkimer, NY, the son of Edo and Margaret (Piscione) Casale. From an early age, George learned the value of hard work, common sense, and taking responsibility, values that were reinforced by his faith and the influence of the church and that he carried with him throughout his life.

George spent his career at Remington Arms, where he worked as a custom gunsmith, a role that matched both his precision and his expectation that things be done correctly. He may not have been defined by classroom grades, but he possessed an exceptional mind, particularly for architecture and building. His work spoke for him. After retiring from Remington, George pursued a long-held goal of owning and working a farm with his family.

George was a man of action. If something required attention, he addressed it. Problem solving came naturally to him and carried him through countless projects. He held himself to high standards and expected the same of others. He was always willing to help those who were willing to help themselves.

Throughout his life, George built things using what he learned while working alongside his Uncle Ralph Piscione. He purchased and helped save the Cranes Corners Church. He also rebuilt and remodeled the farmhouse and his own home, and later designed and helped build the home of his youngest son, Brian. Each project reflected his belief in doing things the right way.

George served the Town of Litchfield in several capacities for many years, including as a member of the Grievance Board, as an Assessor, as a Town Board member, and on the Variance Board. These roles reflected his sense of responsibility.

Outside of work, George valued time spent with family. He enjoyed playing cards at home and at the casino, and hunting held a special place in his life—especially when shared with his brothers, sons, nephew, and grandsons. George took two of his sons trapping when they were younger, often calling himself their “pack mule.” While trapping was not his passion, he wanted to support the boys and make certain they learned to do it properly and safely. He also took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren’s pursuits – sports, music, theater - and in seeing one of his sons coach basketball. These were traditions, not just activities, and they mattered to him.

He was also a longtime and founding member of St. Anthony’s Men’s Choir and Glee Club, where he valued the fellowship, and he loved to sing.

George and his family were also well known for their garage sales. What might have been a simple event for others became, for George and his family, a carefully planned and family-driven effort. People looked forward to these sales and often asked about it when they saw George and Peggy.

Nothing George did was ever done alone. His wife, Peggy, was by his side for more than 66 years. Together, they built a life rooted in family.

George taught by example. His strength, expectations, and commitment to family will continue to guide those who knew him.

George is survived by his wife, Peggy; his five children, George Jr. (Kirsten), Daniel (Pam), Andrew (Jennifer), Christine (Jamie) Edwards, and Brian (Kristen). His grandchildren, Tiffany (Ben) Tolson, Jason (Marie) Casale, Douglas (Brittany) Casale, Steve (Mae) Casale, Sam Casale, Houston Edwards, Mason Edwards, Stephanie (Andrew) Osborn and Mathew Casale; and sixteen great-grandchildren. George is also survived by his step-grandchildren, who, though not related by blood, were part of his family; Alex (Kimberly) LaPera, Nick (Megan) Miller, Andrew and Mark Tichensky.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, his siblings and their spouses - Charles (Margaret) Piscione, Frances (Bob) Rando, Marianne (Dutch) Ray, Anthony (Joyce) Casale, Joseph (Fran) Casale, a step-grandson, Brian Tichensky, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and a niece.

Services will be held in June 2026 and will include a mass, burial and celebration of life. His arrangements are under the care of Enea Ciaccia Family Funeral Homes.

George’s obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (518) 568-2300.