Frank “Paco” Casal

CASAL, Frank “Paco” of East Weymouth formerly of the North End of Boston, passed away on Monday January 14, 2019. He was a few weeks shy of his 93rd birthday.

Beloved husband of 61 years to the late Ida R. “Edie” Casal. Devoted father of Frank E. Casal of Duxbury, Robert Casal of Weymouth, Karen Spitz of Larchmont, NY, Eileen Casal of Wellesley and Maureen Ahl of Marshfield. Beloved son of the late Emilio and Mercedes (Mosquera) Casal. Loving brother of the late Marina, Emilio Jr. and Bobby Casal. ​ Also survived by 7 loving grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Paco was born, raised and educated in the North End of Boston. As a youth he lived on Hanover Street and was a member of the North End championship baseball team, The Tomahawks. In 1939 they were undefeated, going 27 and 0, culminating their season with a win of the championship game at Fenway Park. He attended the Michelangelo School, English High School and then went on to Boston University.

His education was interrupted by WWII when he was drafted and served in the US Marines. He honorably served as a member of an 81 marine detachment stationed on the USS Shangri-La in the Asia Pacific. He participated in various campaigns and was one of the first marines to set foot in Yokosuka, Japan after the atomic bombs were dropped. For his service in WWII, he received two campaign medals, a bronze star, the WWII Victory Medal and the combat action ribbon for his bravery and courage.

Upon conclusion of the war, Paco returned to BU earning his Bachelor’s degree in business administration and worked for Budget Insurance Plan, Inc. in Boston for most of his career. He would later buy and preside over the business until his retirement.

Paco often said that marrying Edie was the single best decision of his life. He loved her dearly. He also loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their various sports and music performances. Since 1962 he lived in East Weymouth and summered at Popponesset on Cape Cod for many years.

In addition to his family, he loved dogs whose companionship he enjoyed throughout his life. A favored pastime was solving challenging sudoku and calcudoku puzzles. He was a lifetime Boston sports fan, an avid swimmer at the Weymouth Club and dedicated exercise enthusiast. He often commented that his routine was essential to his long life. His loving memories will be cherished by his family & friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Thursday 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). Funeral service will be celebrated in the funeral home on Thursday at 7 PM. Private burial in Fairmount Cemetery, Weymouth at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank may be made to United Service Organizations Inc., 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1200, Arlington, VA 22201 or the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130.