Temple University Athletics
Temple Mourns Loss of Former Athletics “First Lady” Ann Casale
6.5.20 | General
PHILADELPHIA – Temple University mourns the loss of Ann Casale, the widow of former Director of Athletics, the late Ernie Casale, who passed away peacefully in her home on May 19 at the age of 98.
"All of Temple Athletics is deeply saddened by the loss of Ann Casale," said Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. "Ann touched many lives as part of the Temple Family over nearly a quarter century supporting her husband Ernie, a Hall of Famer and our longest-tenured Athletic Director. Our thoughts and prayers are with her son, Rich, and the entire Casale family at this time."
Born December 3, 1921 to Pasquale Luongo and Giovaninna Godio, Ms. Casale (nee Luongo) was the last living member of a family of seven children. She was born and grew up in South Philadelphia, thereafter living most of her life in the suburbs of Philadephia . Both she and her husband attended Temple University where they met and eventually married in 1946. Ms. Casale was a graduate of the Teachers College at Temple, majoring in Health and Physical Education and after, taught Health, Physical Education and English at Bartram High School in the Philadelphia School System for almost six years. During that period of time she also spent several summers as a coach and camp counselor.
Ms. Casale was an avid supporter of the Temple University Athletic program and for 23 years was by her Athletic Director husband's side as the "first lady'' of Temple Athletics for their many games and events. Also she was an active member and a past chair of the Temple University Faculty Women's Club, a member of the Upper Dublin Women's Club and along with her husband were active members of North Hills Country Club. It was during this time in life that she also developed a second career as a realtor.
Ms. Casale moved to Silver Spring, Maryland in 2004 where she enjoyed living in the Riderwood Village Retirement Community allowing her to be closer to her son, Rich, and his family who live in the area. While at Rlderwood, she started life anew making many new friends. She was very involved in the community and the many clubs, trips and activities, most enjoying the Annual Galas, the Red Hat Society, the Bridge Club and Lions Club International Foundation where she served as coordinator of the annual clothing drive to benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America. During her time with the Lions Club, she was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services.
Over the years, Ms. Casale had many passions... the most significant of which were family, travel, tennis, golf, playing bridge, reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning new things, meeting people and making new friends in every walk of life. Her travels took her all around the country and the world having gone to Israel, Russia, Japan, China, Spain, Italy, Canada, The Panama Canal and the Caribbean, Hawaii among others. She loved traveling with her many different friends and family over the years.
Her greatest sense of pride was her grandchildren, Chris and Nikki. They lit up her life and she spent much of her time by their side, supporting them in their education, many activities, games and joining in for significant celebratory events, holidays and travel.
Ms. Casale is survived by a son, Rich, ( spouse Barbara ), grandchildren Chris ( spouse Erin ) and Nikki and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac. MD at a date and time yet to be determined. Memorial gifts in Ann's name can be made to "Riderwood Benevolent Care Fund" and directed to Riderwood Philanthropy Dept at 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 or to "Montgomery Hospice" and directed to 1355 Piccard Dr, Rockville, MD 20850 .
"All of Temple Athletics is deeply saddened by the loss of Ann Casale," said Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. "Ann touched many lives as part of the Temple Family over nearly a quarter century supporting her husband Ernie, a Hall of Famer and our longest-tenured Athletic Director. Our thoughts and prayers are with her son, Rich, and the entire Casale family at this time."
Born December 3, 1921 to Pasquale Luongo and Giovaninna Godio, Ms. Casale (nee Luongo) was the last living member of a family of seven children. She was born and grew up in South Philadelphia, thereafter living most of her life in the suburbs of Philadephia . Both she and her husband attended Temple University where they met and eventually married in 1946. Ms. Casale was a graduate of the Teachers College at Temple, majoring in Health and Physical Education and after, taught Health, Physical Education and English at Bartram High School in the Philadelphia School System for almost six years. During that period of time she also spent several summers as a coach and camp counselor.
Ms. Casale was an avid supporter of the Temple University Athletic program and for 23 years was by her Athletic Director husband's side as the "first lady'' of Temple Athletics for their many games and events. Also she was an active member and a past chair of the Temple University Faculty Women's Club, a member of the Upper Dublin Women's Club and along with her husband were active members of North Hills Country Club. It was during this time in life that she also developed a second career as a realtor.
Ms. Casale moved to Silver Spring, Maryland in 2004 where she enjoyed living in the Riderwood Village Retirement Community allowing her to be closer to her son, Rich, and his family who live in the area. While at Rlderwood, she started life anew making many new friends. She was very involved in the community and the many clubs, trips and activities, most enjoying the Annual Galas, the Red Hat Society, the Bridge Club and Lions Club International Foundation where she served as coordinator of the annual clothing drive to benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America. During her time with the Lions Club, she was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services.
Over the years, Ms. Casale had many passions... the most significant of which were family, travel, tennis, golf, playing bridge, reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning new things, meeting people and making new friends in every walk of life. Her travels took her all around the country and the world having gone to Israel, Russia, Japan, China, Spain, Italy, Canada, The Panama Canal and the Caribbean, Hawaii among others. She loved traveling with her many different friends and family over the years.
Her greatest sense of pride was her grandchildren, Chris and Nikki. They lit up her life and she spent much of her time by their side, supporting them in their education, many activities, games and joining in for significant celebratory events, holidays and travel.
Ms. Casale is survived by a son, Rich, ( spouse Barbara ), grandchildren Chris ( spouse Erin ) and Nikki and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac. MD at a date and time yet to be determined. Memorial gifts in Ann's name can be made to "Riderwood Benevolent Care Fund" and directed to Riderwood Philanthropy Dept at 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 or to "Montgomery Hospice" and directed to 1355 Piccard Dr, Rockville, MD 20850 .
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