Thomas V. Casella, Sr., of Augusta, Ga., died Sept. 22, 2023.
Tommy was a native of Augusta, GA and the son of Victor Casella and Sarah Medlin Casella. He was a graduate of Aquinas High School, class of 1969. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the Citadel in 1972 and a Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in 1978. He loved downtown Augusta and was a second-generation Doctor of Optometry on Broad Street for over four decades. His son, Ben, joined him in the practice in 2008.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Carol Covar Casella. The two shared the love that spans over half a century and were each other’s best friends. He loved his family dearly and spending time with them and playing golf were his passions in life. He also had a deep love of literature and continuously improved his knowledge of the world throughout his life. He loved his faith community in Augusta; he and Carol were enthusiastically supportive of Aquinas High School.
He is survived by daughter: Eleanor Casella Loebl (Don); sons: Thomas Victor Casella, Jr, (Lindsay) and Benjamin Pascal Casella (Laura); grandchildren: Donald Hulbert Loebl, III, Carol Elizabeth Loebl, Benjamin Carter Casella, Elisabeth Anne Casella and Thomas Victor Casella, III. He is also survived by his sister: Marianne Maxwell (Tex).
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Ross as celebrant. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be T. J. Barton, Nick Gladd, Rody Jacobs, Matt Johnson, Brian Mirshak, Christopher Morris, Craig Parrish, Brian Rhodes, Tommy Welsh, and Zadoc Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Bambrick, Bill Barrett, Rocky Barton, Clark Capers, John Hipp, Kevin Kearns, James McLeod, Jim Thrash, Michael Warren and Wally Weir.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aquinas High school, 1920 Highland Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.