The 43-year-old Wisconsin man shot and killed on Whittier Avenue on Saturday is remembered by family and friends as a man with a big heart and a dedication to his country.
Staff Sergeant Daniel L. Casey was a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Army who served two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Police said he was shot and killed on Whittier Avenue Saturday evening by 61-year-old Robert V. Martin, who then took his own life.
Casey’s family said he traveled from his home in Wisconsin to Rome to try and help his sister, Kathy Wright, who was involved in an ongoing domestic dispute with Martin.
“Daniel had a big heart and an infectious personality. Whether you spent minutes, hours, or days with him; he made an impression,” said sister Charity Casey.
“He was quick-witted and had a mischievous sense of humor. Just being around him brightened your day. He always knew how to make you feel special and keep you laughing. He worked hard, played hard, and had such a sense of adventure and a zest for life.”
Casey is survived by six children and many other family members, including his mother and several siblings.
“His family meant so much to him and he loved us to the fullest. His last acts showed that he would do anything to help any of us. We were blessed to have him as long as we did,” Charity Casey stated.
“His absence makes this world a little darker place. He was a true hero, one the world will sorely miss. He will live on in our memories, in the impressions he made on so many, and the many lessons he shared with his children and those around him.
A light that bright can never be forgotten.”
Casey served for 12 years in the infantry in the U.S. Army. Family said he was injured overseas and came home with a Purple Heart. He eventually left the Army for medical reasons.
“While serving, he demonstrated himself to be a man others could rely on; a great leader. His Army family respected and trusted him completely,” Charity Casey stated.
“When it was time to retire, he was a bit lost. If it weren’t for the injuries he sustained on tour during the war, he would have still been active. He truly loved what he did and the men and women he served with.”
Casey served in Afghanistan in 2010 to 2011 and was stationed for several years at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Several of his fellow soldiers have also come forward and described Casey as a helpful and loving fellow soldier.
“Dan Casey took me in and taught me the ropes as an infantryman. My first encounter with Dan, I’ve never experienced such love coming out of a person that has been to war,” said Allan Jaco.
“He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes and what it meant to be a soldier, what it meant to show love to other brothers in the infantry. He was a guy I could turn to for anything. He was the guy that, if you had no place to go, you will be at his house having Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas dinner. He was that person. He was the person that made sure everybody came together as a family.”
Matthew Bayless said he and Casey loved to go fishing together and cook barbecue when they had downtime in the service. He said Casey made sure to stay in touch over the telephone even after both of them left the service.
“He was my best friend. He was a good guy. He’d give you the shirt off his back,” Bayless stated.
“If you needed help and you went to him, he would do everything he could to help you.”
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