Miguel Angel Casas passed away Saturday September 30, 2017 at the age of 82. He died at Phelps Memorial Hospital due to complications with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. His loss has been felt near and far by those who loved and respected him.
On March 1,1935 in Punta Felipe, Cuba Rudolfo and Ramona Casas gave birth to their first child Miguel A. Casas Sr. He was born on a family farm called “San Roque” because of the family lineage to Spain. Saint Roque (Rock) used to be Catholic Saint.
Along with his sister Sonia he had a modest upbringing as the son of a successful business owner and active Mason. Miguel’s father Rudolfo was a well accomplished businessman who always assured his customer’s needs were met regardless of whether they had the means to pay for the items they desired. Rudolfo and Miguel’s kindness would prove to serve them well in later years when times grew difficult in Cuba during the revolution. Those that received credit from the family store provided support to Miguel and Rudolfo in later years.
Miguel attended one of Cuba’s most prestigious schools called La Progresiva de Cardenas a Private Presbyterian School. His friends called him “Mique” because of his fondness for former Yankee great Mickey Mantle. The school’s slogan was “Once from the Progresiva…..Always from the Progresiva”.
In 1951 Miguel met Pilar Saiz while visiting his uncle Rueben in Central Washington Cuba. He grew increasingly fond of Pilar over time and before he knew it, his visits to Uncle Ruben increased in frequency. He often took long trips on his horse from Punta Felipe to Central Washington to see Pilar. Over the years Miguel and Pilar developed a strong love and affection for one another that would last a lifetime.
During the Cuban Revolution Miguel married his teenage sweetheart Pilar on March 5, 1956 at her parent’s home in Central Washington, Cuba. As part of his wedding gift Rudolfo transferred the family store to Miguel. Miguel made the transition with ease as he was liked by all.
A year later Miguel and Pilar were blessed with their first son Miguel A. Casas Jr on March 19, 1957 in Santa Clara, Las Villas Cuba. Their second son Jorge L. Casas was born on July 3, 1959 in Santa Clara.
On December 2, 1961 Castro declared that communism would be a dominant force of the Cuban government. This day would change their lives forever. Fidel Castro began nationalizing properties throughout the country and eventually nationalized Miguel and Pilar’s property. The couple and their two children were forced to surrender their home and family store to the government. After the government took over the store they required Miguel Sr. to work there.
Miguel and Pilar applied for political asylum in 1962. The next five years of their lives were extremely difficult as they waited for permission to leave the country. They were called names, not allowed to get legal work, and feeding the family became increasingly difficult. To the communist around them they were considered traitors but they decided to take a stand against all that was happening around them.
After years of sacrifice and suffering Miguel and Pilar were finally granted asylum in 1967 and decided to search for a better life for their family. They boarded a Freedom Flight to the United States on June 1, 1967 where they settled in White Plains, NY.
Family members assisted the family with a place to live and food while Miguel did whatever it took to assure his family’s needs were met by working as a grave digger, truck driver for the post office, janitor in an office building, etc. He eventually earned enough money for the family to get their own apartment. Eventually Miguel found a career in the transportation department of New York Presbyterian Hospital Westchester Division so he could spend more time with his family instead of working three jobs. He would go on to work there for decades to come.
After settling in to their new life in the United States, Miguel and Pilar gave birth to their third boy Edward Casas on December 15, 1970 followed three years later by their fourth son Carlos Casas on July 24, 1973. They always hoped for a daughter but were blessed with 4 healthy boys.
Miguel and Pilar were lifetime residents of White Plains, NY where they raised their four children. They were well known for attending all their children’s sporting events over the years. They attended countless games throughout the Northeast and Miguel was well known for bringing iced tea and sandwiches to all sporting events.
Miguel is survived by his sister Sonia Casas of Manacas, Cuba, four children Miguel A. Casas Jr of LaGrange, NY; Jorge Casas of New Fairfield, CT; Edward Casas of New Rochelle, NY; and Carlos Casas of New Rochelle, NY and their wives, Isabel, Michelle, Colleen, and Maggie and their children, Jason, Rachel, Lauren, Riana, Jackie, Kaitlyn, Brayden, and Cora.
Miguel will always be remembered for his kindness, respect for others, and making ultimate sacrifices for his family. He was a true gentleman, great conversationalist, and had a great sense of humor. His spirit will carry on forever. He will be greatly missed by all!!!!!!!!!