A World War II army veteran and New Jersey native, Dominick Casso received his military training in South Florida. Following the war, Dominick pursued a vocational program in the Sheet Metal trade. During his 25-year career as an accomplished welder, he mentored numerous apprentices in the field. When he retired, Dominick returned to South Florida to enjoy the natural resources of Boca Raton. This scholarship is a tribute to Dominick’s strong belief in the value of “hands-on” training and his commitment to vocational education.

Dominick Casso

October 7, 1916 – May 31, 1993

Eulogy Delivered by Granddaughter Justine Bantang Leonardis

Is the glass half empty, or is the glass half full? For Dominick Casso there was no question, the glass was always half full! It was this unique, optimistic outlook that guided Dominick’s life. Kind words and deeds were Dominick’s trademark.

During the Depression years in the Peterstown section of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Dominick supported his mother, father, three sisters and a brother, by taking a live-in job at Alexian Brothers Hospital. He lifted the spirits of his less fortunate neighbors, as he pulled his family through the hard times.

To Dominick, the glass was always half full.

Dominick cared a great deal about his fellow man. He had friends of all races and religions, and he joined them in serving his country in World War II. As a single man, stationed at the army bases of Miami and Key West, Dominick would take over the “watches” of his married friends, so that they could spend time with their wives and children.

To Dominick, the glass was always half full.

When he returned home from overseas, Dominick married his sweetheart, Theresa. Working hard as a sheet metal welder, he raised four children and eight grandchildren. His greatest joy was watching his family enjoy a meal he had prepared. Dominick took care of all his family, including his mother-in-law and nephew, with quiet, loving strength. To Dominick there were no bad times, just temporary setbacks.

To Dominick, the glass was always half full.

Dominick had a special love and respect for nature. Fishing was his relaxation. For him, the ocean held a special magnetism. During his retirement years, Dominick returned to South Florida for the winter months. He would sit by the ocean for hours, appreciating the beauty of nature. Even if a major storm was brewing, Dominick would say that the weather’s going to be beautiful soon.

To Dominick, the glass was always half full.

Three years ago, Dominick planted a tree, the mighty royal palm. Like Dominick, the royal palm was the strongest of its kind. His little tree, withstood many rough times, including a bout with Hurricane Andrew. But recently, when a northeaster hit, the little tree uprooted. We were all very upset, but not Dominick. He said, “just give the tree some food, support it, and it’ll grow again.”

To Dominick, the glass was always half full.

Last Wednesday, the doctors told us Dominick’s health was failing fast. That same day, his little tree failed too. I guess, the royal palm knew that God had called it’s caretaker to do a more important job.

As we say goodbye to Dominick, I’m sure he’d tell us to wipe our tears, gather our strength, plant another tree, and live life to the fullest. Because, I know he wants us to realize that the glass is half full, too!