Anthony L. Casciato

Anthony L. Casciato JD ’50 died of congestive heart failure September 7, 2015. He was 97 years old.

Tony was born on November 1, 1917, in Portland. He and his twin brother, Alfredo (who died in infancy), were the fifth and sixth children of Giuseppe and Teresina Casciato. Tony graduated from Commerce (later Cleveland) High School. He attended Multnomah College and the University of Portland, graduating from the latter in 1941. Tony worked for the Bonneville Power Administration until he was drafted in 1942. Following his return from service during World War II, he studied law.

In 1950, Tony married Dolores “Dede” Carlo. They had four children.

Admitted to the bar in 1951, Tony practiced law until 1971, when he was appointed to the municipal bench (later the District/Circuit Court) for Multnomah County. He retired in 1993.

Love of family, friends, the law, and sports characterized Tony’s life. A quintessential family man, he instilled in his children a sense of fair play, a love of learning, a ferocious work ethic, and an abiding loyalty to family and friends. His love for his old neighborhood of South Portland and its denizens never left him and to the very end, nothing made him happier than recounting stories from his youth. He considered the law a noble profession and saw it as a tool for helping others. Sports, particularly baseball, were both a passion and a solace. A gifted athlete, he played semi-pro baseball in his youth and never lost his love for the game or his favorite team, the New York Yankees. One of the greatest experiences of his life was attending the Yankees fantasy baseball camp at the age of 82 with his son Peter. He was a devoted member of the Multnomah Athletic Club, where he played squash for many years.

Although he could be somewhat reserved, Tony enjoyed the company of others. He was particularly good with very young children, entering into their lives and interests with enthusiasm and gusto. To older children and young adults, he was an approachable father figure, someone who could offer thoughtful advice and sympathetic understanding. In his professional capacity he was a mentor and guide to legions of young lawyers, many of whom credit their subsequent success to his wise counsel. Those who were old or sick found in him a sympathetic presence and a ready listener.

A voracious reader, Tony routinely read the newspaper—paying special attention to the sports coverage—and all the books he could get his hands on. He was particularly fond of history and biography. Art was another favorite activity.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Dede, and his son Peter. He is survived by his son Tom; his daughters, Mary Jo Binker and Nancy Casciato; his daughters-in-law, Regina Casciato and Kathleen Hughes; his sons-in-law, Roland Binker and Kenn Walton; six grandchildren; and many devoted relatives and friends.