BORN

1959

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Jerrett Funeral Homes - St. Clair Chapel

1141 St Clair Ave West

Toronto, Ontario

Mike Cassese Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 28, 2012.

MIKE CASSESE It is with great sadness that the family of Mike Cassese announces his sudden passing on the morning of December 27, 2012 in his Toronto home at the age of 53. Mike was the beloved father of Daniel and David. He leaves behind his sister Mary Iafrate, her husband Domenic, niece Vienna and nephews Carmen and Michael. As Mary said, "My heart is broken. He was my rock, my best friend." Mike was close to his large and loving family: his uncle Rocco, aunts Maria, Grazia and Guiseppina and cousins Mary and Felicia, Erminia, Saveria, Luisa, Santo, Carol, Paul, Saverio and Gino and all their children. He is predeceased by his devoted mother Antonia and father Joseph. Mike was a renowned photojournalist for Reuters wire service and prior to that, the Toronto Sun. He was known for his quiet demeanor, although his friends in the business knew that behind the calm was a sharp professional who moved with such speed he captured the rarest of moments, especially in sports photojournalism. It was Mike who took the photograph during the 1992 World Series that showed the Toronto Blue Jay's Kelly Gruber tagging out Deion Sanders in his attempt to complete a triple play. The umpire didn't see it and awarded second base to the Atlanta player, but the proof was in Mike's photograph. Mike won a National Newspaper Award for that picture and a second NNA for his 2009 photograph of Minnesota Twins batter Justin Morneau, taken the split second a ball fouled off his cheek during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He accomplished all of this with understated grace. Mike's professionalism earned him a front row seat at major league sports events, along with entertainment and political news. He introduced his sons to photography and they joined him at events like the Grey Cup, Much Music Video Awards and the Queen's Plate, happy to be part of the photographers' camaraderie. He had an exceptional career and excellent friends, especially Fred Thornhill, whose New Year's Eve storytelling around the bonfire always included the Cassese boys. Most of all, Mike loved his sons and they loved him. Visitation on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 1141 St. Clair Ave. West, near Dufferin. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. at the St. Clare Catholic Church

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53 Entries

January 12, 2013

Sue Hertz

A dear sweet friend. So many memories of starting out. Will be missed.

January 2, 2013

No other words need be expressed as those that have already been written ... I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing.
You were and will always be a big part of the Toronto photojournalism community Mike ... you made such a difference.
My sincere sympathies to your family and large circle of friends for their loss.
Patti Gower

January 2, 2013

Barb MacDonald

Mike was a great photogapher and a true professional, but he was an even greater person. It was always a pleasure to have him calmly help find the best photo positions at our skating events. He will be sincerely missed.

January 2, 2013

Frank Gunn

Mikey. You were so happy. The future was looking so bright. Why now?

The Love we all have for you will watch over your boys. You will never be forgotten.

January 1, 2013

Louie Palu

The most generous guy I ever met. I'll miss you Mike.

January 1, 2013

Sara, Nick, and Anna Pacione

My parents were so looking forward to welcoming you into our home and calling you family. My parents heard about Uncle Mike and what a big part you played in Carmen's family, and it was only a matter of time before they would meet you- time that we never ended up having.

I got to call you Uncle Mike officially for a day, but you had been Uncle Mike to me since the day I heard about you from Carmen, just like your mom very quickly became Nonna. I won't ever forget your big hug Christmas Eve night, the way you tried and succeeded to get me to drink more wine than usual, that you toasted mine and Carmen's engagement, and every single thing in-between. We wanted to ask you to shoot our engagement pictures- I had not seen your award-winning photographs until now, but we knew that the man behind the camera was special and we wanted you to be as much a part of our lives as possible.

I will miss seeing you at each baseball game I see with Carmen- the highlight of every game was seeing you after the game. There will be so much I will miss, and I'm sorry I never got to tell you how special it all was to me.

I had known you for a much shorter time than your family and friends, but if I loved you, I can only imagine the love that everyone around you felt for you and magnitude of the hole now left in their hearts. My condolences to Uncle Mike's friends and family, especially Daniel and David (you boys are part of my family now too), Mary, Dominic, Vienna, Michael, and Carmen- I'm always here for all of you, I love you xoxoxo

December 31, 2012

Marie Moretti-Robinson

Dear Mary,
Eventhough over 25 years have passed since we worked together at Shoppers, Rexdale Plaza, I still vividly remember how proudly and lovingly you spoke about your brother Mike. I was very sad to read that he passed away. I offer you and your family my sincere condolences and pray that your memories will carry you through this difficult time. I know he'll always be near you.

December 31, 2012

Craig Robertson

The Toronto photo community has lost one of our very best and he can not be replaced. So many of us have been touched by Mike's kindness and grace. I will miss asking him about his boys and my heart breaks for them. Thank you Mike for all the times you helped me out (and there were many) . I am so grateful I played one round of golf last summer, my first in years, and Mike was part of that foursome. I got a new driver for Christmas in hopes that I could hit the ball as far as Mike. A true friend who we will all miss. Rest in peace Mike.

December 31, 2012

Hugh Wesley

It has been said so many times already, Mike Cassese: a quiet, humble, talented, gentle man, with big picture wisdom, a helping hand, and a giving heart. What a life road map to leave for Daniel and David to follow...and his family, friends and colleagues too.
Mike was a good man. RIP Mike

December 31, 2012

Ron Bull

Jays spring training,Mike Sun myself Star. End of day I'm having computer difficulties, Mike gladly solves my problems so his competition will not have a blank space in the sports section .When ever I met a group of photogs on the job always made a point of saying hullo to Mike first for good reason .

December 31, 2012

John Sokolowski

A truly class individual. Mike we will miss you. My deepest condolences to the Cassesse family.

December 31, 2012

Laura Lapsley

My condolences go out to all of Mike's friends and family. I have never met Mike but have heard from his sister, Mary, what a great guy he was and I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time. God Bless.

December 31, 2012

Donna Corcoran

Although I did not know Mike personally, it sounds like I missed knowing a very wonderful man and loving brother. Mary, my thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

December 31, 2012

Warren Toda

Consistently good. That describes both Mike and his photography.

I worked alongside Mike for many years. No matter what the photo assignment, no matter the weather, no matter what problems there might have been, Mike always, always, got the picture. No drama and no ego. Always calm, collected and professional.

Mike always had time to help other photographers even if they were his competition. To say he was the nicest and most considerate guy around would not be an exaggeration

I would like to offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to Mike's family, especially his two sons.

December 31, 2012

Nathan Denette

Mikey my heart is broken and sick over this. I will miss being around you and how you treated my like a son. My words won't do justice of how much I thought of you as an fantastic person in every way. I will miss working next you, I will miss our golf games, I will miss our laughs at fred cottage and fishing. I will miss evything about you. You were like a second father to me. R.I.P mikey..

December 30, 2012

Mike, there is no other like you. This wasnt supposed to happen. I looked forward to many many talks with you. Will miss your BBM's. My heart goes out to your children of which you adored tremedously and your sister Mary and family that you so loved and extened family that you spoke about all the time. There wasnt a time that we spoke that you didnt mention these people or your best friend Fred. Youve put a hole in our hearts that cannot be repaired.
You are greatly loved by all of us.
Love your childhood friend

December 30, 2012

veerab zakarian and family

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

December 30, 2012

Michael Peake

A tragic loss. An exemplary man. We are all better for having been a part of his too short life. Mike will be greatly missed.

December 30, 2012

marilyn linton

I worked with Mike at the Toronto Sun where I was Life editor. He was a top professional, such a sweet guy. My deepest sympathy to Mike's family. What a great loss.

December 30, 2012

Claus Andersen

Mike ... words cannot express my sorrow ... I will forever miss our conversations ... you were a good and kind friend ... one of the nicest guys anyone could ever know ... and truly a great pro!

Claus Andersen

December 30, 2012

Moe Doiron

Few men can say so little yet speak so loudly, Mike was one of then. A gentle, considerate and wise soul who'll be dearly missed.

December 30, 2012

Dave Abel

From the start of my career you've always been a huge mentor. Your advice has always been gold, especially recently. Photographer, but be a father first. I won't let you down, I promise.

December 30, 2012

Andy Clark

Its been many years since we worked shoulder to shoulder old friend. Had some good time on many an assignment, will always remember

December 30, 2012

Andy Clark

Its been many years since we worked shoulder to shoulder old friend, but I remember the good times on many an assignment, and always will...

December 30, 2012

My deepest sympathies to Mike's family. I am thinking of you Mary at this most difficult time.
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Love,
Alina Stoia

December 30, 2012

Nick Turchiaro

My deepest sympathies and condolences to Mike's entire family & close friends, especially his wife and sons. I only wish I got to know Mike better, he was a great photographer and a good friend who always had time for a smile and laugh.We will all miss you Mike.May you rest in peace.

December 30, 2012

John Lott

A great photographer, a kind and helpful man. Mike will be much missed by the clan of sports journalists, who admired him and his work. Deepest condolences to his family.

December 29, 2012

wells family

A great neighbor, a great friend.
I will miss seeing you looking over the fence to see what I am doing, oops! I remember your first greeting me after the removal of the fence, between our properties.

The Wells Family; James, Jean, Tammy, Thomas, James, Jonathon, Maryann, Alexandra, Roger, Kathryn, Jaime. (Etobicoke, the place we call home)

December 29, 2012

Tim McKenna

My sympathies to Mike's family, especially his sons, whom he idolized. The sadness of losing Mike is the kind that never goes away completely. He is a part of all photo journalists and photo editors in Toronto. This is a big loss.
Tim McKenna
Globe and Mail

December 29, 2012

Peter Redman

Photojournalism has lost a giant, sports has lost a keen observer, but most of all our community has lost a dear friend, a mentor and a true gentle-man.

December 29, 2012

Nick Turchiaro

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this...I have known Mike only for a very short few years and all I can say about him is...Mike has always had time to say hi, always shown me respect, always a friendly smile, always an occasional laugh, but above all Mike was a great photographer who I tried to emulate and follow not only because of his award winning photographs but because of the great professionalism he showed to his fellow colleagues . I will really and truly miss Mike.
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to all of Mike's family and close friends, especially his wife and two sons.

December 29, 2012

Steve Payne

News has just reached me of the loss of my former colleague and friend. I lost count of the assignments I shared with Mike, but one I will never forget is two weeks in the hills of Turkey with Kurdish refugees. Even in those awful wild lands he managed to capture a front page picture of a Canadian soldier and a little baby. Steve Payne

December 29, 2012

Greig Reekie

Mike, you were always the calm, even when there didn't seem to be time for it. We'll all miss you bud.

December 29, 2012

Graham

There will be an empty seat in the Indy media room this year - RIP Mike.

December 29, 2012

Paul Madder

Mike, I will miss your , hello , how are you greetings with a smile at auto racing events and hockey games.
My heartfelt sympathies to friends and family

December 29, 2012

Dave Chidley

The kindest, most talented and consistent colleagues you could work next to. You have left us far too soon Mike.

December 29, 2012

Peter Bregg

A gentle photographer without sharp elbows but a sharp eye for that shot. All who knew him will miss him and those who didn't will miss seeing his photos. He will be remembered.

December 29, 2012

Mike Blake

I count myself lucky to have spent many a summer evening next to Mike shooting baseball, back in the days of film. He was a good guy, a guy you would be happy to stand next to and work with in the rain sleet or snow.
Mike was unassuming, gentle, kind, always happy to see everyone, and a total professional behind the camera. I have watched his work on the wire since moving west and it was always good to see him get the moments that mattered, and to know he did it in his Zen like way.
My heart goes out to all of you in Toronto, his family, his sons, Spud, Fred, Mark, the gang at Reuters, CP and the papers... I know when I lived there he was a great guy to work with and I know you all will have lost a great and gentile friend.
Carry on in his spirit and "pay it forward" for him.
Mike made the world a better place, made our profession more professional and made a hell of a lot of great images along the way.

December 29, 2012

Bill Sandford

Mike and I were colleagues and friends for so many years. It seems like a long time, and now I wish it could be longer. Our last contact was an e-mail/text on Christmas Day. Even though I was older and should have been the wiser, he had a way of giving good advice on any life matter.

December 29, 2012

Mike was a wonderful photographer to work with when I was at the Sun and always such a kind, gentle and thoughtful person. He leaves us far, far too soon. My deepest sympathy for his family. Valerie Gibson

December 29, 2012

Rick Eglinton

"Mikey" (Golfnman)

You've been my friend since we first met in the fall of "83". I will miss you more than you will ever know.
Rick Eglinton

December 29, 2012

Tammy Calabrese

A man like Mike can't be summed up - he was a mentor and dear friend to Darren and me. We'll miss you.

December 29, 2012

My family's Jays seats are beside the photographers' area along the firstbase side and we often saw Mike at work. He was always among the friendliest of his peers. A game didn't seem quite right without an exchange of 'hellos' with Mike. Next season will not be the same without him. I hope the Jays recognize him next year with a tribute.

My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

December 29, 2012

Anna Latino

My deepest sympathies to Mike's family especially to his children and his sister Mary. I am thinking of you Mary at this most difficult time.
Love from,
Anna Latino

December 29, 2012

Phill Snel

What a class act. And always with nerves of steel. His feathers never seemed to get ruffled when things were tense and all heck breaking loose. He'll definitely be missed. Condolences to his boys Daniel and David especially. RIP Mike.

December 29, 2012

Mike, my rock, my friend, my brother! You've left a void in our family that will never be filled. You were supposed to be with me till we were old and gray with grandchildren of our own. We will miss you forever and will try everday to live as you did, with quiet grace, dignity and kindness towards all you met. I love you Mike and miss you so much it's unbearable.

December 29, 2012

Pawel Dwulit

Mike you always kept a level head and had a story and laugh to share. I'll remember your attitude for your work and life. We all lost a trustworthy friend and incredible colleague. You will always be remembered. Rest in Peace

December 29, 2012

Brent Foster

From the day I arrived in Toronto you took Tyler and I under your wing. Not sure if you knew this or not, but I always called you our photo mom:) You were always there to take care of us, help us, and guide us. RIP Mike.

December 29, 2012

Mike was one of the top photographers in the City of Toronto going right back to our journalism days at Humber College. He always had time for everyone. -30- Tom Godfrey.

December 29, 2012

Mark Blinch

Love ya Mike. You always knew what to do. I will always be thankful for everything you have done for me. Ill never forget it.

December 29, 2012

Cori Mark

I will miss seeing Mike in the Press Box at Argonauts football games. He always popped in to say hi before he went to work.

December 28, 2012

Jeff Wasserman

So sad, so sorry.

December 28, 2012

Bob Carroll

MIKE! You left us far too soon. A wonderful photographer, friend, father and a gentle man. You were the best at everything. Well maybe not when we lefties golfed.

The media world will miss your great pictures especially sports photography.

Those of us who worked with you will miss one of our guys. What a guy!

It's unanimous - We love you Mike. RIP my friend. You made a difference.

Bob Carroll
Picture Editor

Showing 1 - 53 of 53 results

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