Phillip Richard Cassese, retired phone technician

Phillip Richard Cassese, "Richie," "Poppy,” 82, of Lewes passed away in his sleep Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. He was born Jan. 31, 1939, in Englewood, N.J., son of the late Frank Cassese and Emily Case.

Richie proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he made his career as a phone technician for Bell Atlantic Corporation for 35 years, installing pay phones for businesses.

Richie loved cooking, gardening and going to church. He was a member of the American Legion and the Army Vets. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching movies and old films, and shooting guns with his daughter, Jody. Richie loved a good trip to Disney World and spending time with his dog Rocco. Above all, he loved being with those he held most dear, his grandchildren and family.

In addition to his parents, Richie is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marietta Cassese in 2013. He is survived by his children: Gerard Cassese and Jody Cassese; his grandchildren: Carly Cassese and Joseph Cassese; and his loving and faithful companion, Rocco.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Friends may also call at the funeral home Thursday, Sept. 9,  from 3 to 5 p.m.

Entombment will follow the services at Henlopen Memorial Park, 28787 Lockerman Road, Milton.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols must be observed and masks must be worn by everyone participating in any aspect of the service. All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via livestreaming by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10111521/LTWebcast.

Please visit Richie’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com