The funeral is taking place in Knock this morning (Tuesday) of John Casserley who was murdered in an apartment in Ballina last week.
There was enormous grief and shock in the town when news of the 58-year-old’s death broke last Thursday morning.
Mr Casserley was from Cloondace, Knock, and formerly of Woodlawn, The Bronx, New York. He is survived by his mother Sarah, father Joe, siblings Ann-Marie (Murphy), Martin, Katrina (Haldane) and Seamus, beloved nieces and nephews Sarah, Christopher, Liam, Amy, Seán, Niall, Ella and Saoirse; sister-in-law Mary and brother-in-law Jeremy, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his many friends.
Numerous tributes have been paid online to Mr Casserley, who had been living in Ballina at the time of his murder. One friend remarked: “John was one of those people that you just couldn’t walk away from when you entered into his circle of friends... He cared about everyone and never refused a friend in need... He loved life and lived it to the fullest.”
Others noted that John was “a kind-hearted man” and a “true gentleman” with an “infectious laugh”.
“We had many laughs together,” wrote one friend. “John was very kind and a good-spirited person.”
Former school friends from Ballyhaunis Community School also paid tribute.
Mr Casserley’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home in Knock (F12 A726) yesterday evening and were later removed to the Church of St John The Baptist, Knock, where Requiem Mass is being celebrated this morning at 10.30am followed by cremation in Shannon crematorium.
