Joseph Cassella

Joseph Cassella joined his Heavenly Father and family on November 17, 2008. Joe was born on August 14, 1923 to Antonio ?Anthony? and Rose (Pavesi) Cassella in Hammonton, NJ. While growing up in New Jersey, Joe drove a delivery truck to New York City and Philadelphia. He graduated from Hammonton High School in 1941. He was drafted into the US Army in April 1942 and attended basic training at Camp Kroft, SC. Joe served in the Seventh Army which saw action in Germany. He endured severe burns while rescuing a comrade from a burning tank. Joe was honorably discharged in 1946 from the Army Hospital in Pheonixville, PA and was awarded the bronze star. Joe returned to New Jersey for a short time after WWII and went on to pursue a teaching degree. It was important to Joe to continue to develop his teaching skills throughout his career. Joe moved to Moorhead, MN to attend Minnesota State Teacher?s College and received a Bachelor?s Degree. He then moved to Iowa City and attended the University of Iowa where he received a Master?s Degree in Physical Education. Joe took his first teaching position in Hannah, ND. He taught in Hannah for two years and met Eileen Borgen. Joe married Eileen in 1953 at St. Michael?s Catholic Church in Wales, ND. Joe?s teaching career brought him to Fargo where he taught Social Studies, History and Geography at Ben Franklin Junior High School. Joe also coached football and basketball as well as refereed both football and basketball after his coaching debut. Joe taught for 35 years at Ben Franklin before retiring in the spring of 1988. Joe loved life and being part of it. Joe enjoyed his children and adored his grandchildren. Joe enjoyed traveling abroad after he retired as well as to be with family and friends. Joe remained very active throughout his life, playing football in high school and at MSU. Joe was a football, baseball and basketball fan, often attending Redhawks and NDSU games. Joe was a strong and devoted Christian, spending numerous hours volunteering at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where he was a member and at the Emergency Food Pantry. He was an active member of the Eagles, DAV, VFW, American Legion and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He was a life member of NEA, NDEA, and the National Coaches Association. Joe was surrounded by family and love when he entered the Kingdom of Heaven. Joe is survived by his children, Jason Cassella of Fargo, Shannon Cassella of Fargo, Denae Horn (Jon) of Champlin, MN, Dean Cassella of Brandon, SD, Kevin Cassella of Fargo; three grandchildren, Alysa, Daniel, and Alex Horn; his sisters, Marie Zerra (Salvadore ?Sam?) of Vineland, NJ and Angelina Cassella of Hammonton, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rose Chiovari, Michael Cassella and Frank Cassella. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. Visitation: Wednesday, November 19 from 5-7 pm at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo and also one hour prior to Mass at the church on Thursday. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Funeral Mass: Thursday, November 20 at 2:00 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo. Interment: Holy Cross North Cemetery, Fargo. Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo.