Dolores Casey

dolores casey

March 3, 1938 ~ August 23, 2025

Born in: Brooklyn, NY
Resided in: Smithtown, NY

Obituary
Dolores Casey (nee D’Avanzo)

Dolores Casey (nee D’Avanzo) was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 3, 1938, the third beloved daughter of Vincent D’Avanzo, an NYPD officer and Antoinette (Jeanette) D’Avanzo (nee Desena), a homemaker. From an early age, Dolores displayed a vivacious love and joy that characterized her life throughout her years. She married Raymond Lawrence Casey, the love of her life, on August 25, 1962 and they were blessed with three strapping sons, Raymond Vincent, Darren Lawrence and Jeffrey Richard. With Dolores’ constant encouragement and cheerleading Raymond and Jeffrey completed law school, passed the bar and began the practice of law and Darren completed medical school and began his dermatological practice in Atlanta.

All three sons chose the turn of the millennium to celebrate their marriages respectively to Marybeth, Stephanie and Audra. And all three of those unions were blessed with grandchildren: Jeffrey Raymond; Raymond William; Andrew Robert; Elizabeth Miriam; Connor Tristan; and Isabella Antoinette .

Dolores reveled in her grandchildren and was present for the important milestones in all of their lives. In her spare time, she was friend and confidante to innumerable cousins, neighbors and people she met and connected with, often randomly, from Gracie Mansion to the local Smithtown nail salon. She passed after a long illness on August 23, 2025. The love she shared continues to shine through her family and everyone she knew. She will be loved, missed and remembered by all.

Services

Visitation: Friday, September 5, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Second Visitation: Friday, September 5, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Mass: Saturday, September 6, 2025 9:45 am

St. Patrick's R C Church Smithtown
280 E Main St
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Interment:

Cedar Hill Cemetery
Liberty Avenue
PORT JEFFERSON, NY 11777


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dolores Casey 's name.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis,

TN

www.stjude.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Our amazing and wonderful Dolores made a huge difference in our lives. She and Ray hosted fantastic and fun Thanksgiving dinners. She was a brilliant source of wisdom and humor and strength. Everyone at Gracie Mansion and in the Office of the First Lady loved her!! What a fabulous legacy the Casey family is!
    We send much love,
    Donna, Ed, Caroline, Mike, Andrew,Zivile , and Grace

    • Thank you for sharing such joyful memories of my mom. Andrew and Caroline were loved like her first two grandchildren ❣️

  2. Dear Jeff.
    My deepest condolences to you and family. My heart goes out to you. I wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
    Love, Sharon.

  3. candleDear Mom, Your love was like the dawn, lighting our way and protecting us from things that go bump in the darkness. But like the sun, you vanished too soon, leaving us all in the shadow of your memory. I know that you feel the words when I read; “I Love you forever , I Like you for always , as long as I’m living my Mommy you will be❣️”

  4. Dolores Yountville be missed. So many great memories of east 521st Street our condolences to your beautiful family. My parents will be so happy to see you in heaven

  5. Beautiful Dolores was a role model and an inspiration.
    It was a privilege to have had her in our lives.
    Her thoughtfulness was a thing to marvel.
    She touched so many lives for the better, and her spirit will continue to fill us with joy.
    May God bless and comfort her wonderful family.
    Love, Cathy and Rudy Giuliani

    • Thank you for sharing your kind words and memories of our mom and my dad’s true love. We all got to feel what heaven might be like when we were in her company!

  6. Dolores you will be missed so many great memories from east 51st street. Our condolences from all your beautiful family. My parents will be happy to welcome you into heaven. Prayers for your family during this time

  7. I will miss you beyond words. I wanted to say I remember,: early in my life and until our talk last in really enjoyed our talks. From just goofy stuff to weather to how the “boys'” are . In many ways you were my D0efacto parents. From my early days in Brooklyn with me, Grandma.Grandpa (Vincent), You and Uncle Ray.
    To our biweekly phone calls after my next appointment. I was going to call you to see if you had answer my next question. Also,I wanted to talk to you about a different issue. I would call and we would talk about the movies.. I would have an issue, In many ways,Aunt Delores,
    And uncle Ray became my Defacto parents. Guiding me with some Issues
    And the importance of being a new Father (9/1986). to 2001 you were there with help and advice.
    I looked forward to our phone conversations.
    The last time we met for dinner at
    Cracker Barrel restaurant.was 12 years ago..I forgot if you were going or coming from Atlanta to visit Darren
    Later on we would talk every 2 weeks or so. I saved them so I can listen
    to them.later.. I had some tapes recorded. Aunt Delores, I Loved you so much. You made me feel special when I didn’t get that at home.
    My last phone call to you was just 2 weeks ago. You will be sorely missed.
    I have been praying for you and to you
    I’ve been praying for Uncle Ray.
    I have been praying for Raymond, Darren and Jeffery.Losing your mother is just awful. Losing your wife of @53 years is very sad.
    I pray Uncle Ray. Please know that I
    Care deeply for all of you.and I am praying for all of you.
    Love,
    Gil, Tracey and Rick Gardner.
    Contact info.
    Email: gilgardner66@gmail.com
    Phone 704-728-6828
    Address: 14123 ,Bernardy Lane
    Charlotte, N.C 28269

  8. Thanks Gil, In many ways and to many people, our Mom was the parent we hope to be. From heaven she will continue the parent and friend we needed, as we grow into adulthood!

    • And also during our “Adulthood” I am worried about your Dad. Is he doing ok or as ok as expected? Please tell him we love him very much ! Can someone email me updates?
      Love you guys.
      Gil

  9. My Dad is working hard at Rehab to make it to the wake and funeral. He is strong in mind and discipline ,he should recover in time. He is sad that my mom is gone from earth. He knows how lucky he was to have had a lifetime with his soulmate and is comforted that true love never dies . They will be together when it’s his time to rest in heaven.

  10. I am extremely BLESSED to have you in my life for 60 plus years. Ray and yourself have always given of yourselves and lifted many up through 6 plus decades. You both clearly a true team. As my Grams would say DOLORES is a ANGEl. A caring angel and friend. Yes you were and now you have been rewarded with your wings in HEAVEN. Thank you for our talks from my teenage year to my sixties. Always with love, intelligence, calmness and clarity. A true mentor. There are those whom talk about others, divide, have an angle. Are not respectful or giving. NOT YOU for you wanted good for others. You reached in and made a difference. Ray and yourself raised THREE awesome boys that became awesome men. Great families. Ray and yourself there every step of the way smiling with pride, cheering them on. As Grandparents you kept that excitement that foundation going. BEAUTIFUL. You never talked the talk for you walked the walk. BEAUTIFUL sunshine. When my wife met you for the first time you embraced her as if she was a member of your family. That meant the world to me and to Mary. You been there for our kids weddings and their grandfathers funeral. You remembered anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions. A guiding light., a friend a mentor. Three weeks ago I was able to spend some time with you. GOD blessed me that day once again. For I got to share how important Ray and you were to my life. How much you meant to my Grams. How much your smile and advice made a lasting impact. How your laugh could brighten any day. Growing up on East 51 street was so special. The Pizzolos The Griffos and The Casey’s. THE BEST. THE BEST. Give all a hug for me and my deep thanks. All of us have continue to have one another’s backs and touch base. Blessed. We are all family. What I know is this. Your boys will carry the baton you handed them with pride and honor. Their kids will also make you so proud. Dolores you LIT up talking about them and THEY always light up talking about their mom and dad. BLESSED family. BEAUTIFUL family. God Bless the Casey’s. GOD BLESS you Dolores whom now has been given her well deserved and special wings. LOVE TO your amazing family that Ray and you provided a beautiful foundation . Your guys done a great great great job. Love to all. And THANK YOU.

  11. Tommy, Thank you for sharing your relationship with my parents with such eloquence. You remind us all to honor the legacy of our mom’s love, kindness, and joy. Know that there is one more Angel in heaven watching over us all with overflowing love. Heaven is greater for her addition and those of us on earth must take up the mantle of being more like Dolores!

    • Darren love you all very much. Not an easy time for any of you. A major piece of your heart now resides in Heaven. HOWEVER I know for a FACT none of you will forget how your moms heart, special strength. laugh, intelligence and spirt impacted each of you and your loving families. You carry your mom with you. The seeds of love, strength, service, intelligence and teamwork, When Mary lost her brother, my Grams was called home, Mary’s mom, dad, my own dad and our loving neighbors whom were mentors to all of us. THERE was your mom with phone calls, follow ups, a beautiful card, or in attendance at a wake. Once again being there with respect and GRACE for all. YOUR dad and mom were bookends. An AWESOME TEAM. They were TRULY an outstanding team. Tears fill my eyes for their relationship was and is so very special. I remember last year speaking to your dad as I was going over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge Upstate on my way to Glenbrook with our family. I was sharing how special those times were in late 60s early 70s up there with you guys and neighbors. All of a sudden your moms came on phone and was laughing at one the times Ray and I were in the pool. WHAT A GREAT MEMORY that laugh I can still hear it. You guys NO DOUBT all will continue step up with your moms guidance be there for your dad. CASEYS the entire caring, united, loving, strong, faith based Casey’s. LOVE YOU ALL Proud of you All.

  12. Dr. Casey I am praying for comfort and peace for you and your family during this difficult time.

    • Thank you for your prayers., Stacy. You understand the loss of one of the brightest stars in your sky. How their absence clings to your heart and makes you search for the pieces of yourself that are lost in the darkness of missing them.. Pray for the sun to keep shining , so we can’t see the emptiness of the long nights without them.

  13. Dear Casey family,
    I only met your Mother a few times at family functions but it is easy to see how you all became such loving, warm, infectious individuals with such a delightful matriarch to follow. I can see how all of you will continue to spread the joy that she imparted to you. May God bless you and remind you of Dolores, the one who gave you these gifts.

  14. Dear Ray, Mary Beth and family,

    We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful, caring, and loving mother, Dolores. Her kindness and warmth touched so many lives, and her spirit will always be remembered with love. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you hold and in the legacy of compassion and strength she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

    With heartfelt sympathy,

    Shawn and Cecilia

  15. To Jeff and Family,

    My heart goes out to you, losing a mother is one of the hardest things and I hope that you can find comfort in the love and memories that you shared..

  16. Dear Ray and family,

    I am so deeply sorry for the passing of our beloved mother. My heart is with you, and please know that you and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Sarah Oliver

  17. Dear Ray,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. May the cherished memories of your mom bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Wishing you strength, love, and healing as you navigate this season of grief.

  18. Dr Casey,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a sweet and joyful lady! That is a great picture of her and how I always remember her, with a big smile on her face. I’m praying for God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time.

  19. To the Casey family, Our prayers are with you and your families. My aunt Dolores was a very special person. I remember her kindness and her beautiful laugh. She will now rest peacefully. She will be in our hearts forever. The Bender’s Desiree Stephen Chad Nicole and Garrett in heaven.

  20. candleDear Ray, Marybeth and family,
    We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts break for all of you. Your Mom was such a beautiful woman who was sweet and yet so funny. She was so special that she would light up every room she walked into .God blessed you with a wonderful mother and friend and she will be sorely missed.
    We are here if you need us.
    Love Andrew & Martha Vallas

  21. Everyone who knew Dolores enjoyed her warmth and welcoming personality, her sunny disposition, and sense of humor. Dolores had a capacity to make everyone around her feel special. Gene and I had lots of fun and blessed encounters with her. She was a joy to be around. Our lives are fuller because of her friendship. God’s presence and love will give her beloved family peace and comfort at this time. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:7
    Love, Gene and Carol Traynor


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