CASSANO

Philip, age 75, of Middletown, NY, formerly of Dumont, NJ, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Born in the Bronx, he was the son of the late Joseph and Gloria Cassano (née Ceci). A veteran of the United States Navy, Philip answered his country's call before building a life defined by faith, love, and an open hand extended to everyone he met.

He was the beloved husband of Carole (née Parola), and the devoted father of Dawn Jennings and her husband Richard, Philip Cassano, and Joseph Cassano. He was a cherished stepfather to Jimmy Schiaffo and his wife Gail, and Dominick Schiaffo and his husband Antonio. Philip's greatest joy was his grandchildren (Gregory, Lianna, Jake, Luke, Sophia, Brendan, Megan, and Richie) and his beloved great-grandchildren, Anthony and Olivia. He is further survived by his dear sisters, Andrea deDufour and her late husband William, Theresa Andre and her late husband Peter, and Maria Kowalczyk and her husband Vincent, his beloved nieces and nephews, a large and loving extended family whose bonds stretched across generations, and a wide circle of friends who were truly fortunate to have known him. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Lacey, who brought him great joy.

A skilled heating and air conditioning technician and mechanic, Philip devoted 37 loyal years to Larson's Heating and Cooling, building lasting connections with his customers and generously sharing his knowledge with all who sought his guidance. He was simply the man others turned to when something needed fixing.

Philip was a dedicated Christian and a man of God, whose faith was at the center of everything he did. He was a proud founding member of the Reign Riders Christian Motorcycle Club, a brotherhood of faith and fellowship he held close to his heart. Whether on the road, in the shop, or simply in conversation, Philip had a warmth that drew people in. He was a friend to anyone willing to talk, never met a stranger, and could always be counted on to lift a room with a well-timed story and a laugh that was impossible to resist.

He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

In keeping with Philip's wishes, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, where family and friends may gather to share memories of a life so beautifully lived.