William Casey Obituary

Casey, William J. Advertising Executive, Charity Founder William J. Casey, 76, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, died Sunday, December 14, 2003, at a Florida hospital. A former Marketing Executive at Chicago's Oscar Mayer, a top officer at some of the city's leading advertising agencies, and a founder of the Bear Necessities Pediatric Center. Service Monday, December 22, 2003, 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary in Algonquin, IL. In 1993, Mr. Casey and his daughter, Kathleen founded Bear Necessities after the death of Kathleen's 8-year-old son Barrett "Bear" Krupa, of pediatric cancer. The child encouraged his mother and grandfather to do something to help children and their families cope with cancer. Bear Necessities will soon be celebrating its 11th year. Born on the Southeast Side of Chicago, Mr. Casey was one of four boys growing up during the depression era. In 1944, while only 17 years old, he joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to a destroyer in the Pacific Theater. All four Casey brothers served in the war in all three branches. After the war, he began a nearly 50-year career in marketing and advertising, promoting everything from Little Oscar and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to Ace Hardware and the "helpful" hardware man." Mr. Casey is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Carol (Rosser), his daughter Kathleen A. Casey, a granddaughter Courtney Casey Krupa, many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Barrett "Bear" Krupa, his brothers, Retired Air Force Col. Edward J. Casey, Thomas A. Casey, Robert D. Casey and his mother, Margaret (Dillon) Casey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, 23 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610. 312-836-2327