Richard J. Caser

Richard J. Caser of Hendersonville passed away at his home on June 26, 2015. Born on January 5, 1928, in Caoria, Italy, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Clelia (Cecco) Caser who immigrated through Ellis Island to Mt. Carmel, PA, when Dick was four years old. He was preceded in death by a sister, Romilda (Millie) Bridy, and brother, Reynold (Ren) Caser.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, he graduated from Penn State University with a Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1952 and moved to Ohio to start working for Bailey Controls Company, a subsidiary of Babcock and Wilcox. After 34 years he retired as a Regional Sales Manager, and he and Louise moved from Akron to Hendersonville in 1985 to play golf and bridge. They enjoyed golfing at the Hendersonville Country Club for many years, as well as numerous other courses in the area.

Dick loved people and loved duplicate bridge. He combined these passions to run beginner bridge sessions, and guided his students from confusion to proficiency. Dick seemed to find the right key for each of them: some needed gentle guidance while others needed a firm hand. Under his direction the Hendersonville bridge area flourished, and its annual tournament grew to become the fourth largest of its kind in the USA. His dedication to the game earned him the national Goodwill Member of the Year in 2008. He was an ACBL Gold Life Master. Dick is a legend in the western North Carolina bridge community, and will be remembered for years to come.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Louise; two daughters, Sharon Burnley of Canal Fulton, OH, and Susan Caser of Clearwater, FL; and a son, Robert Caser (Debbie) of Wilmington, NC. When Dick married Louise, he gained two stepsons whom he loved and raised as his own: David Nameroff of Baltimore, MD, and Steven Nameroff (Michael Ann) of San Clemente, CA. He also leaves six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

According to Dick’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28791, or a charity of your choice.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.