Staff Reports
A Democratic legislator from South Florida has passed away after suffering a serious heart attack.
Rep. Joe Casello died Friday at the age of 73, according to an email from House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell.
“Joe was a good man in a time and place where that was a precious and important thing. He was a gentle giant in the Florida House who rarely spoke up, but everyone stopped and listened when he did,” she said of the representative from Palm Beach County who was first elected in 2018.
Casello, 73, won a seat on the Boynton Beach City Commission in 2013. He then served in the House representing parts of Palm Beach County, winning a fourth term this past November.
One of his most significant legislative achievements was backing the measure to establish the Purple Alert system to help find missing adults with mental or cognitive disabilities who are not covered by the state’s Silver Alert system.
Prior to his time in public service, he served as a firefighter for more than three decades in Worcester, Massachusetts. He also operated Casello Electrical Services.
Health issues were mounting toward the end of his life.
Prior to the cardiac event that proved fatal, Casello suffered a mild stroke last year.
After his heart attack, an aide released a message from him that will serve as his final public statement.
“My life has always been about public service and meeting the needs of my community. Serving as both a firefighter for 33 years and an elected official for 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing the people — through times of unity and division, triumph and challenge — has been a privilege I will always cherish. Of all my responsibilities, my favorite was doing constituent services. Helping people in their times of need wasn’t just part of the job — it was a calling and a privilege that I will always hold close to my heart,” Casello said.
He was known for constituent service. His legislative legacy includes the Purple Alert system in Florida, used to find missing adults with intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
Casello was a candidate for the Palm Beach Commission in 2026, signaling his intent to continue public service even after he was term limited next year.
Several leaders in the region had endorsed him, such as U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, state Sens. Lori Berman and Tina Scott Polsky, state Reps. Kelly Skidmore and Debra Tendrich, Palm Beach Public Defender Daniel Eisenger, former Public Defender Carey Haughwout, former Palm Beach School Board member Alexandria Ayala and former Boynton Beach Commissioner Justin Katz.
Tributes poured in for Casello following news of his passing:
— U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis: “Joe was a good man, a Firefighter in his earlier years. We would share a beer from time to time at Harry’s, I would try to recruit him to switch parties, just a decent guy. RIP Joe.”
— Senate President Ben Albritton: “Missy and I were so sorry to hear about the passing of @RepJoeCasello. A veteran, firefighter, and business owner, he was truly a servant leader. Our prayers are with his family, friends, and all who mourn this loss. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
— Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman: “Florida has suffered a great loss today. Joe Casello was a true public servant who worked tirelessly to serve the people of Palm Beach County and the State of Florida. I couldn’t imagine having a better successor in the House, and it was my honor to work together with him on legislation to help Floridians — especially the Purple Alert system, designed to help find missing adults with mental or developmental disabilities. All of us will miss his devotion and dedication to helping people. May his memory be a blessing.”
— State Sen. Mack Bernard: “In his 33 years as a firefighter and 13 years as an elected official, Joe Casello epitomized what a public servant should be. His dedication to his work and commitment to his constituents was an inspiration to us all. The world could use a lot more people like Joe, and I know that his memory will live on in the people he pledged his life to serve.”
— State Sen. Tina Scott Polsky: “I am so saddened that we have all lost the kindest, most humble public servant. Joe and I served together for the past seven years, starting as freshmen together in the Florida House and in the Palm Beach County delegation. I will miss his warm smile, his kind words, his wonderful Massachusetts accent, and his dedication to our state. Rest in peace my friend.”
— House Speaker Daniel Perez: “We are saddened by the passing of Representative Joe Casello. He was a thoughtful colleague who served his community with kindness and dedication. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
— State Rep. Adam Anderson: “Saddened to learn the news of @RepJoeCasello passing. A retired firefighter himself, Joe was one of the first outspoken supporters of the 1st bill I filled, “9/11 Heroes’ Day” and helped us pass the legislation with unanimous bipartisan support. He was a strong, kind and always respectful leader, a friend to so many. He will be missed.”
— State Rep. Robin Bartleman: “Today is a very sad day — we have lost State Representative Joe Casello. Joe was a true hero without a cape. As a firefighter, he dedicated his life to putting himself at risk to save others. After retiring, he continued his commitment to service as an elected official.”
— State Rep. Dean Black: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Florida Representative Joe Casello of Boynton Beach. He was universally well-liked and leaves a legacy of having sponsored legislation that started the Purple Alert system in Florida, used to find missing adults with intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.”
— State Rep. Lindsay Cross: “We lost an incredible public servant and friend yesterday. While he rarely spoke up, he would sometimes offer a fiery debate that reminded us of the depth of his life experiences, compassion, and commitment to his constituents. I relished those & will miss you, @RepJoeCasello.”
— State Rep. Dan Daley: “Last night, the Florida House lost a gentleman and committed public servant in Joe Casello — and I lost a true friend. Joe was sincere, committed, and had a huge heart.”
— State Rep. Anna Eskamani: “The Florida Legislature just lost an incredible champion. Representative Joe Casello — thank you for being an incredible role model for public service, and a good friend. Sending love to Joe’s whole family and community.”
— State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky: “Today we lost a wonderful public servant and friend to so many, State Representative Joe Casello. Joe was a wonderful person, always positive and supportive. He was a Massachusetts native and had a wicked sense of humor. He served in the legislature with humility, grace, and a fierce sense of purpose. Joe was down to earth, kind, and cared about every person he came in contact with. He was always one of the best dressed in Tallahassee and I would call him GQ Joe. I will miss serving with Joe and I will especially miss his friendship. My condolences to Joe’s family, friends, and all who loved him. May his memory forever be a blessing.”
— State Rep. Berny Jacques: “Rest in peace, Rep. Casello. May God comfort his loved ones during this difficult time.”
— State Rep. Chip LaMarca: “Relationships are something we take years to build, and we should value them. It is always my priority to bring those forward, no matter how we may disagree.”
— State Rep. Kiyan Michael: “Bobby and I are sadden to hear of @RepJoeCasello. May the Lord bring peace to his family during this time”
— State Rep. Michele Rayner: “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Florida State Representative @RepJoeCasello. A dedicated public servant. Whose work championed working families, first responders, veterans, and seniors. His advocacy led to stronger benefits for firefighters and extended tax credits for surviving spouses of veterans. Joe’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his community left an unforgettable mark. He was selfless, caring and kind. His smile was contagious, his demeanor was always of grace. May his legacy of service, compassion and selflessness continue to inspire us all. My friend, you will be truly missed.”
— State Rep. Will Robinson: “Such devastating news to hear of the passing of Rep. Joe Casello. Joe was one of a kind and a member I respected on so many levels. He was the ranking member of State Affairs and we had such great conversations and debates that always ended with laughter and mutual respect. Joe, I will miss you dearly. May God bless your family and friends during this difficult time.”
— State Rep. Allison Tant: “Joe will be terribly missed. I loved working with him. He was unfailingly kind and approached every issue with the eye towards common sense.”
— State Rep. Kaylee Tuck: “A strong and gentle leader who never lost focus on the ultimate goal of doing right by people. We should all be more like @RepJoeCasello. You will be missed, my friend.”
— State Rep. Brad Yeager: “It’s heartbreaking to hear the news of the passing of Rep Joe Casello. While Joe was on the other side of the aisle, he always carried himself with dignity and class. He will be dearly missed. Prayers to the Casello family and friends.”
— South Miami Mayor and former state Rep. Javier Fernández: “Rest in peace my friend. You had a true servant’s heart. I’ll remember the laughs we share during our time on the Commerce Committee together and everywhere in between. Your memory will always bring a smile to my face.”
— Former state Rep. Ralph Massullo: “Joe was an individual who was your friend regardless of your back background or political motivations. He represented his district well and was always respectful and reasonable to all he encountered. I pray he is in Heaven having the best time of his existence…forever.”
— Former state Rep. Joel Rudman: “Rest in peace @RepJoeCasello. I treasured our friendship and will always remember the kind things you said and did for me. You are proof that honor and dignity does not recognize party lines.”
— Florida Democratic Party: “We are keeping Representative Joe Casello and his family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn his passing. Joe Casello was the kind of public servant every community hopes for. As a firefighter for 33 years, he literally ran toward danger to protect others. As an Air Force veteran he understood how important it was to serve selflessly. As a city commissioner and state legislator, he brought that same courage and steady leadership to the halls of government. His legacy is one of humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for his community. Whether it was delivering for working families or making government more accessible, Joe always led with heart and common sense. On behalf of Florida Democrats, I want to thank Joe for his service, his friendship, and his example. He will be deeply missed.”
— Johnson & Stewart: “We are deeply saddened to learn this news. Our condolences and prayers are with @RepJoeCasello family and loved ones.”
— RubinTurnbull: “We are saddened by the passing of Rep. Joe Casello, a dedicated public servant who brought integrity and compassion to every role from firefighter to Florida legislator. Our thoughts are with his family and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. May his memory be a blessing.”
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A.G. Gancarski and Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics contributed to this report.
One comment
Roger F. LaFerriere
July 20, 2025 at 11:06 am
Joe and I were classmates and friends with Eddie Mekjian at Harlow Street School in Worcester. I still have the 4th Grade Class photo. Joe’s mother Grace was a sweetheart, a second mother to me. Time moved on and my parents purchased a new home in June 1964, and I moved from the neighborhood. Joe has been in my thoughts all of these years. My condolences to Joe’s family and friends.
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