Florida has lost a true statesman with the passing of State Representative Joe Casello (D-Palm Beach County). Casello died July 18 at age 73 after making the decision not to continue life support following a severe heart attack. Casello had already made a comeback in 2024 after a stroke. He continued persevering and planning a run for the Palm Beach County Commission. He was the rare politician who brought honor to the halls of government—always willing to reach across the aisle, always putting his community first. It was important to him to get his message out to everyone. Joe was an example of what public service looks like. My last promise to him was to write about him for Florida Jolt.
Just heard that Rep. Joe Casello, a retired firefighter, just suffered a massive heart attack.
Please join me in praying for Joe and his family. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Blaise Ingoglia (@GovGoneWild) July 18, 2025
Joe Casello embodied bipartisanship in a time when that quality seems nearly extinct. He worked quietly but effectively, never seeking headlines, but consistently delivering for the people he represented. Championing legislation for firefighters was particularly important to him since he dedicated 33 years of his life to the Worcester Fire Department in Massachusetts.
Such devastating news to hear of the passing of Rep. Joe Casello. Joe was one of a kind and a member I respected on so many levels. He was the ranking member of State Affairs and we had such great conversations and debates that always ended with laughter and mutual respect. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/708zTYDU56
— Will Robinson (@will_robinsonjr) July 19, 2025
Just a couple of days before Joe’s passing, Mike and I visited him at the hospital. His spirit was undiminished despite his condition, and his thoughts remained on serving others. We talked about his campaign for Palm Beach County Commission, a race he regretted not being able to pursue. Joe truly believed that his work for our community was far from over. He told us he wished there were just a little more time to do a little more good.
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Note: Tracy Caruso, Florida Jolt’s Editor at Large, is married to State Representative Mike Caruso
Today we lost a wonderful public servant and friend to so many, State Representative Joe Casello. Joe was a wonderful person, always positive and supportive. He was a Massachusetts native and had a wicked sense of humor. He served in the legislature with humility, grace, and a… pic.twitter.com/7oxkyV5sfn
— Christine Hunschofsky (@CHunschofsky) July 19, 2025
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Joe Casello possessed an unshakable sense of duty. He served as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Worcester Fire Department, quickly rising to the rank of lieutenant. His passion for public service ran deep: after retiring and moving to Palm Beach County, he operated a local business. He entered politics, first winning a seat on the Boynton Beach City Commission in 2013 by a narrow margin. That’s where he learned the rough-and-tumble world of local politics, always listening, always helping. In 2018, he took that experience to the Florida House of Representatives, where he was elected and reelected three more times, representing his district with uncommon integrity. The seat is term-limited. 2026 would have been his last year in the Florida House.
Rep. Joe Casello 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…
— Representative Fentrice Driskell (@FentriceForFL) July 21, 2025
Joe was also known for his great sense of humor and for being a truly down-to-earth, regular guy. One favorite memory that makes me laugh is when he called after being invited to a representative’s baby shower. He had never been to one before, and wanted to ensure my husband would be attending. As a joke, when Joe arrived at the shower before Mike, I told him Mike wasn’t coming and that Joe would be the only guy there. When he realized I was kidding around, Joe got a huge kick out of it—classic Joe, always ready to laugh at himself and let everyone in the room feel at ease.
Those lucky enough to call Joe a friend will miss him dearly. He was a man of principle, humor, and loyalty—an old-school public servant who relished all the little things that made a difference, from returning every call to helping a constituent in crisis. During our last visit, Joe made a simple, heartfelt request: he wanted a fire truck named after him. Joe, you’ll get that fire truck. We’ll make sure of it. Rest easy, my friend. You were the best of us, and you will not be forgotten.
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- Palm Beach County’s Bold Push to Lure New Yorkers South - November 19, 2025
- Palm Beach State College’s Emerald Torch Gala Was Lit - November 17, 2025