State Rep. Joe Casello, a Democrat from Boynton Beach who served in the Florida House since 2018, died Friday at the age of 73 following a heart attack, according to a statement from his family.
Casello represented parts of Palm Beach County and was serving his final term in the House, where he held the position of Democratic Ranking Member on the State Affairs Committee. Before his election to the Legislature, he served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner from 2013 to 2018, including time as vice mayor.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Casello served in the United States Air Force in the early 1970s before beginning a 33-year career with the Worcester Fire Department. He rose to the rank of lieutenant and worked in several specialized roles, including arson investigations. After moving to Florida, he founded and operated Casello Electrical Services, a contracting firm focused on residential and commercial projects.
Lawmakers from both chambers paid tribute to Casello’s life and public service.
“Joe was a good man in a time and place where that was a precious and important thing. He was a gentle giant in the Florida House who rarely spoke up, but everyone stopped and listened when he did. I never heard him complain, no matter how frustrating or difficult our job here in Tallahassee became. Joe always had a kind word and a smile, and it was impossible not to smile back. He wasn’t a politician looking for fanfare, he was just Joe working to help people. Serving his community was his whole life, from the Air Force, to the fire department, and throughout his time in office. He could have lived for 200 years and those who knew him would say he was taken from us too soon. Joe Casello was a good man, and I will miss my friend very much,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell
“We are saddened by the passing of Representative Joe Casello. He was a thoughtful colleague who served his community with kindness and dedication. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones,” House Speaker Daniel Perez said.
Casello’s legislative work emphasized support for veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities. He helped create Florida’s Purple Alert system to assist in locating missing adults with cognitive or developmental conditions and backed legislation expanding medical benefits for firefighters who contract cancer in the line of duty.