Curtis Casey

Heaven gained a new choir director, pianist and vocalist with the passing of Curtis Edward Casey on September 22, 2021. He died peacefully at the age of 82 at his home in Granite Bay.

Born in El Dorado, Kansas – a stone’s throw from Wichita – Curtis moved to Sacramento with his parents in 1950. He graduated in 1957 from Sacramento High School, where he served as student body president, ran track and sang in the a cappella choir. He realized his gift for and love of music early in life, singing in the church and as a member and soloist of a television choir from the eighth grade through college.

Curtis graduated from the University of the Pacific Music Conservatory with degrees emphasizing voice, composition and conducting. He earned his master’s degree in education from Sacramento State, which paved the way for his career as a school administrator.

An educator at heart, Curtis served as a middle school vice principal in Sacramento before taking on roles as school principal in St. Helena, Roseville and Gridley. But it was his time spent as teacher and choir director at C.K. McClatchy High School in the late 1960’s and 1970’s that were some of the most fulfilling of his career. His passion for music and gift for mentoring youth made an indelible impact on his students, many of whom he remained in contact with until his death.

Curtis had an inquisitive mind, was a lifelong learner and a great conversationalist. He literally never met a stranger. He loved his bi-weekly lunch meetings with his “brunch bunch,” coffee chats with dear friends, and visiting with his children, grandchildren and cousins. He and his wife Debbie enjoyed trips to the coast – Fort Bragg and Moss Landing were favorites – and traveling the country to learn more about his family history. He loved watching old westerns and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers. He also loved cheering on his children as they advanced in their careers and his grandchildren as they hit athletic, personal and educational milestones of their own.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Debbie Casey, his son Geoffrey Casey (Marijune), his daughter Jennifer Whitty (Christian), and his beloved grandchildren, Will and Piper Whitty. He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Rhonda Casey, as well as his parents Ivan Eldon and Mona Casey.

If you would like to honor Curt’s memory, please consider making a donation to the C.K. McClatchy High School Music Program to help provide private voice and music coaching to students in the program. Checks should be made payable to C.K. McClatchy Music Boosters and mailed to C.K. McClatchy High School, 3066 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818, Attention: Jorge Muñoz.

A memorial celebration of his life will be will be held at 11:00 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park's Chapel located at 4300 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, 95819.