Gerald "Biff" Casso

Rotterdam - Gerald (Biff) Casso, 86, entered peacefully into eternal life on August 26, 2016 at Ellis Hospital. Born January 31, 1930 in Rotterdam Junction, Gerald was the 2nd youngest of 14 children. He was the son of the late Vito and Annunziata Casso. Gerald grew up in Rotterdam Junction. He served active duty in the US Army from 1948 to 1952 and then went on to serve in the Army Reserves from 1952 to 1957. In1953, he married Lucille Palma and they had 3 children, Gerald (Jerry), David & Lisa.Gerald worked for General Electric at the Turbine Plant and retired in 1995 with 30 years of service. Gerald was a very active member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge #2157 where he cooked for many years and also volunteered at many events such as their Major Projects Dinners, the annual Car Show, and the Haunted House. He was on their Monday Night Dart league and Thursday Night Bocce Ball league. Over his 24 years of being a member, he attended many Elks functions and enjoyed dancing with his wife. Gerald was also a member of the Schenectady Moose Lodge and a former member of the Rotterdam Eagles Aerie #3610. An avid outdoorsman, Gerald enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent many summers with his wife and children at Birchhaven Campground in Sacandaga Lake. Gerald leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Lucille (Palma) Casso, his sons, Gerald (Linda) Casso, David Casso, and his daughter, Lisa McGrath, all of Rotterdam. He is also survived by his brother, John (Jane) Casso of Rotterdam and sisters, Dorothy Bardascini of Amsterdam NY and Rose Lombardi of Florida, along with a host of nieces and nephews. Gerald was predeceased by brothers Anthony, Carmen, Charles, Joseph, and Michael, and by sisters, Christine, Kate, Mary, Mildred, and Phyllis. The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Donna Tuttle, Dr. Robert Parkes, and the Emergency Room staff and C-4 staff at Ellis Hospital for their compassion and professionalism during Gerald’s time of care. Calling hours will be Tuesday, August 30th from 5pm to 8pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam. A funeral service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, August 31st at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Cyril’s Cemetery on Duanesburg Road, Rotterdam.