Daniel F. Casey, 66, of South Burlington, Vt., beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on Friday evening, January 2, 2026, surrounded by love. He leaves behind a world forever changed by his presence.
Dan was a man with a big soul, one who drew people in and made them feel seen, understood and safe. He was fiercely loyal, deeply wise and endlessly thoughtful, often offering insight that lingered long after conversations ended. His perfectly timed sense of humor was one of his greatest gifts, lightening any moment while still honoring its depth.
A lover of music, Dan found meaning and connection through sound. Songs were never just songs to him but reflections of life, love and spirit. He was deeply philosophical, always curious about the bigger questions and profoundly spiritual, carrying a quiet faith and reverence that guided the way he lived and loved.
Above all else, Dan was devoted to those he loved. His presence was steady and grounding, and his love was generous, unwavering and true. To be loved by him was to be known deeply and cherished completely.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Christy Casey; mother-in-law, Diann Varricchione; son, Patrick Casey, and former daughter-in-law, Jaclyn Crowley; daughter, Colleen Gaydos, and husband, Thomas Gaydos; grandchildren, Riley Gaydos, Emilia Gaydos, Adeline Gaydos and Layla Casey; sister Mary Steiger, and husband, George Beato; sister Kathleen Casey and husband, Adam Crogan; nieces and nephews, Casey Tracy and husband, Adam Tracy, and Erin Steiger, Kiley Schmoldt and Aidan Schmoldt; grandnephews, Lewis Tracy and Miles Tracy; and grandniece, Quinn Tracy. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, David Steiger; son, Andrew Casey; mother, MaryLou Casey; father, Daniel J. Casey; and father-in-law, David Varricchione.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Saint Michael the Archangel Chapel, 1 Winooski Park, Colchester, VT. The family will be available to greet guests beginning at 9:45 a.m. A private burial will follow for immediate family only.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dan’s honor to the Edmundite Campus Ministry at Saint Michael’s College or to the National Scleroderma Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences to the family, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in Jan 7-13 2026.
Dan was one of those rare people that once you knew him he had a lasting impression. He was fiercely loyal and held on to his beliefs and principles. He loved to have fun and we spent many times together enjoying one another’s company. The world is a sadder place without him but a better place for him having been here. My thoughts and prayers go out to Chrissy and the family.