Morry Casso, Massachusetts’ Oldest Man and WWII Veteran, Dies at 108
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Massachusetts lost a piece of its history on November 16th with the passing of Morris “Morry†Casso, the state’s oldest man and its oldest living military veteran, at the age of 108.At the time of his death in Canton, Casso also ranked as the 15th oldest man in the United States, a testament to a life marked by resilience, service, and a remarkable connection to his community.
A Life Rooted in Boston History
Born in Roxbury on January 28, 1917, to Russian immigrants Sadie and David Casso, Morry Casso witnessed a century of profound change. He graduated from Roxbury Memorial High school for Boys in 1934 and subsequently joined his father’s business, Casson Brothers, a Boston-area dry cleaning and tailoring shop. Over time, he assumed leadership of the establishment, building a loyal clientele that included prominent figures like former Secretary of State henry Kissinger and acclaimed author John Updike, alongside everyday residents. He operated the shop successfully until his retirement in 1982.
Service in the Signal Corps
with the onset of World War II, Casso answered the call to duty, enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1942. He was assigned to the Signal Corps, a critical branch responsible for military communications. Demonstrating exceptional aptitude, he was selected for a specialized team dispatched to Chicago to study the Audion Vacuum Tube, a groundbreaking device essential for amplifying and transmitting radio signals. His unit’s expertise proved vital during their deployment to the China/Burma Air Theater, where thay established secure communication channels for Army Air Corps aircraft, contributing to the war effort. Casso completed his military service in early 1946.
A Legacy of Laughter and Community
Those who knew Casso remember him for his warm sense of humor and captivating storytelling. A cherished family anecdote illustrates his early life: “His mother,a Russian Jewish immigrant,called him ‘Bubbeleh’ so much that it wasn’t until his first day of school,at the age of 5,that he learned his name was morris.†This playful story encapsulates the loving surroundings in which he was raised.
Following his retirement from Casson Brothers, Casso dedicated himself to community service. He served as a massachusetts Ombudsman, advocating for the rights and well-being of residents in nursing homes.For nearly two decades, he volunteered at New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton, and actively participated in organizations such as the Knights of Pythias and the sharon Men’s Club. He also held the position of president of B’nai B’rith,further demonstrating his commitment to civic engagement.
Family and Remembrance
Casso shared 36 years of marriage with his first wife, Rose, until her passing in 1985. Together, they raised two sons, Mark and Alan. In 2001, he found love again with bernice “Niecy†Karlsberg, and the couple resided in Sharon before moving to Brightview Senior Living in Canton in 2022.
He is survived by his wife, Bernice; sons Mark Casso and his wife Beth, and Alan Casso; stepchildren Mark Karlsberg and his wife Linda, and Ilene Karlsberg-Gerstein and her husband Bill Gerstein; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. His passing marks the end of a long and impactful life, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and cherished memories for all who knew him.
