Dorthea A. (DePerno) Casey

FLORIDA – Dorthea A. “Dottie” (DePerno) Casey, age 66, passed away peacefully and with much calmness on Saturday, November 12, 2022. At the time of her passing she was in the comfort and dignity of her daughter Tara’s home in Canandaigua, NY. Born on August 28, 1956 Dorothea was the daughter of John “Captain John” and Mafalda “Mitzi” (DePastina) DePerno. She graduated from T. R. Proctor High School in 1974 and went on to earn her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Mohawk Valley Community College. As a part of the DePerno family, she knew from an early age the importance of hard work and hospitality. She, along with her sisters, assisted in the family business Captain John’s Restaurant at Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake. At one time, she was wed to Mark Casey, and to that marriage came the blessings of their daughter and son. A very social and business-minded woman, she found her true passion as a real estate agent for Vanderbilt Realty, LLC in Naples, FL. The Florida climate suited her so well and she truly blossomed there. She simply adored the vast ocean, walking on the beach, the calmness of the water, and never failed to be in awe of the beautiful sunsets. All these natural wonders soothed her soul. Dottie was an others-centered person, filled with laughter and happiness. A skilled conversationalist, she was compassionate and sincere. She clung to her solid convictions and didn’t hesitate to speak her mind – but she always did so in a kind way. Her most important role in life was being a mother. Her children were her greatest blessings and she did everything she could to instill her virtues in them as well. When her grandchildren came into her life, a new chapter of adventures and good times began. She was over the moon in love with her precious grandbabies and they were equally enamored with her. She was simply meant to be a “Nonnie.” Dottie retired early from a position she held as a TSA Agent so she could spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She was able to spend the past five years showering her grandbabies with love and enjoying life; she literally saw at least one of her grandchildren most days of the week between Florida and New York! Dottie never forgot her family in Utica and came back to visit as much as possible for get-togethers and holidays. She was always spoiled when she came to town, for everyone showered her with the area’s treats and the good food that can only be found here; she was pleased to take home anything that could fit in her suitcase! She extended her summer stays to Cape Cod, which was an additional sanctuary for her. While residing in Florida, she traveled from the west coast with her mission being mindful of visiting her dad and mom who were snowbirds. She also truly appreciated her time in New Smyrna on the east coast. For Dottie, it was always about family and sunshine. As a true Italian, Dottie cherished and passed on the generational values of loving family unconditionally and being proud of the heritage and what it stands for. Dottie was very active in her various social circles and was always surrounded by many good friends throughout her life. She liked to keep her circle tight! She had a high spirit and a true zest for life. She will be fondly remembered for her many “Dottie-isms.” A woman of the Catholic faith, her life will be celebrated at her family’s home parish St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Dottie is survived by her parents, John and Mitzi DePerno; and her two children and their loves, Tara and Michael Skidd, and Dr. Justin and Lauren Casey. She will also be missed by her adored grandchildren, Michael, and Thomas Skidd; and Alessandra, and Adriana Casey. Her loss will also be felt by her sisters, Elaine DePerno-Brown and her husband Andy, and Joni DePerno-Zahas and her husband Scott. She was predeceased by her sister, Marianne Jakubowski, and leaves behind her brother-in-law, Joseph A. Jakubowski. Additionally surviving are her nieces and nephews, Sheri A. and Fidele P. Fanelli, Joseph M. And Katie Jakubowski; Dr. Kristy and Dr. Greg McBride; and Scot Zahas; as well as a host of beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Dottie was honored by many beautiful friendships throughout her life from childhood to the present day. Dottie’s family wishes to thank everyone who made her days brighter and memorable, which is a great many people indeed. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica. Dorthea’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will follow at 1:30 PM. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Dottie’s name may be made to the March of Dimes online at https://www.marchofdimes.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Dorthea A. (DePerno) Casey

August 28, 1956 - November 12, 2022