ALBANY – Litterio “Larry” Cassera, 75, walked into the arms of The Lord Thursday, July 9, 2009 at the Stratton DVA Medical Center. Larry was born in Albany, NY on March 5, 1934, the son of the late Anthony “Champ” and Mary Rose Cassera. He moved to Florida in 1983, and in 2000 became a “snowbird,” traveling between there and Albany. Known as Larry the Horse, Mr. Cassera served in the Army from 1955-1957, and bowled in Korea and Japan with the Armed Forces Far East Team. He was a member of the PBA and successfully competed in both the regular and senior tours. He and partner Joey Schmidt won the ABC Eastern Zone National Doubles, and Larry appeared bowling on TV many times in both the US and Canada. Throughout his career, Larry bowled four 300 games, and was inducted into the Glens Falls Bowling Hall of Fame. Mr. Cassera was the manager and owner of several bowling centers in the Capital District and Florida. He was also an avid golfer, was a member of the Zolga Post Country Club and the Town of Colonie Golf Club, and played bocci with the WAIBS. Larry was known as a great story teller and was a joy to be around. He was known to be quick witted, have a contagious laugh, and was a true people person. A strong man and good provider, Larry always had time for teaching others.
Mr. Cassera is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Ann Cassera, who he faithfully made great coffee for every morning. He is also survived by a son, Thomas J. Cassera (Tammy), a daughter, Theresa Davis (Jimmy), a brother John Cassera (Cathy), a sister, Marianne Hinckley (Ken), grandchildren Anthony, Kimberly, Thomas, and Nicholas, great grandchildren Adrianna and Scotty, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Cassera also leaves behind a 17-year-old dog Sparky that he loved very much.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 10:00AM in the St. Francis DeSales Church, 1 Maria Dr., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Sunday evening from 4 until 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Sandy Vigars
MaryAnn & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He was truly a joy to be around and we shared a lot of laughs and good times when the all the guys were together, whether it was bowling or golfing. My thoughts and my prayers are wilth all of you at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Sandy
John Brown
Maryann, I am deeply saddened by Larry’s passing. I am glad we had some time together when he stopped at ABC last month. My prayers are with you and all your family. John
Joe & Billi Ruwart
Mary Ann, I was so sorry to hear about Larry. Joe and I enjoyed talking and listening to Larry at the Balsom Buddy Christmas parties.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please take care of yourself and I miss you.
Billi
Michael Orsini
Dear Mary Ann,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I have fond memories of Larry’s hospitality and good company when my parents and I came to your cook outs in Glens Falls. He will be missed.
Mike Orsini
Anthony Cassera
Grandma,
It’s been just over 39 months since we lost Papa, I miss him just as much today as then. Sometimes it’s hard to contain. I wish so much that my kids could have known him… that he could have known them.
I don’t know if you know this or not, but I had been planning for a long time to use his name in the name of my son. I admired him so much that sometimes it was infuriating. He could do everything well, was smart as anyone, and was very determined/stubborn (whichever way you choose to look at it). I could never model my personality after him, but I have always wanted to try to live up to who he was. I wanted so much to make him proud and show him that I was taking the things he had taught me and passing them down on to his grandchildren – that his legacy would carry on.
I can only hope that every once and a while he is looking down on me can see some of himself in Michael.
I can only imagine how difficult the last few years been for you.
I love you and will always be here for you.
Love,
Anthony