Donald Dean Casey

November 26, 1928 - March 12, 2019 
Born in Spencer, Iowa 
Residence: Santa Clara, California

Palo Alto Pioneer and long time California resident, Don Casey, age 90 passed away with family present in Santa Clara.

The Casey family migrated to California from Spencer, Iowa during the great depression when Don was 7. The family established the historical Cardinal Drive-In Cleaners in Palo Alto. The cleaners had 5 stores and a laundry at one time in and around the Bay Area. Cardinal Cleaners serviced the Stanford University Marching Band's uniforms for years and had customers such has Shirley Temple Black, and the legendary Tennessee Ernie Ford along with serving many Bay Area families for over 60 years.

Don attended David Starr Jordan Jr. High School, and graduated in the Class of '48 from Palo Alto High School. During high school, Don was on the swimming team and was a California All-State Diver champion.

in 1950 he was drafted into the Korean War and survived many battles including Heartbreak Ridge in Korea. He returned to Ford Ord where he was a leadership instructor until receiving an honorable discharge. Upon his military discharge, Don returned to the family business and retired in 2000. Don enjoyed family, Hawaii, golf, roller skating and skated with the great World Champion, Betty Jennings. He took up Karate in the 60’s and 70’s and even trained with the famous Bruce Lee and Ed Parker.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Claire Casey.  He was a wonderful father to 8 children, 18, grand-children and 4 great-grandchildren, and a sister-in-law, June Christensen Casey (Paly, Class of '50). He will be missed but not forgotten by his loving family!

Funeral Services were held Monday, March 18, 2019 at LIMA & CAMPAGNA MORTUARY, 1315 Hollenbeck Ave., Sunnyvale. Interment followed at Gate of Heaven, Catholic Cemetery, Los Altos. 

To plant a tree in memory of Donald Casey, please visit our Tribute Store.