Florida State Representative Joe Casello, a dedicated public servant and former firefighter, has died at age 73 following complications from a severe heart attack that occurred in early July. The Florida House Democratic Caucus confirmed his passing through social media, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support during this challenging period.
According to USA TODAY, the Democratic legislator, who represented Florida House District 90 in Palm Beach County, passed away on July 18, surrounded by his loved ones. Casello was hospitalized approximately two weeks ago after experiencing chest pains.
Before his death, Casello released a poignant statement reflecting on his lifetime of public service, emphasizing the honor of serving both as a firefighter for 33 years and as an elected official for 13 years. His commitment to public service remained unwavering until his final days, having secured re-election to a fourth term last November by a significant margin.
Casello's journey in public service began with his 33-year career as a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, before relocating to Palm Beach County. His transition into politics started in 2013 when he became a Boynton Beach city commissioner, demonstrating his continued dedication to community service.
The veteran legislator had represented his district, which includes Boynton Beach, since 2018, earning respect from both sides of the political aisle. His recent re-election victory and plans to run for the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026 indicated his ongoing commitment to public service.
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried expressed profound sadness at the loss, noting that Casello would be "deeply missed" by the community he served. The impact of his passing has resonated throughout Florida's political landscape, drawing tributes from colleagues across party lines.
Casello was taken off life support on the morning of July 18, following a two-week hospitalization for chest pains. His condition had deteriorated despite medical intervention, leading to the difficult decision to discontinue life support.
State Representative Mike Caruso, a close friend, shared details about his final visit with Casello on July 17, revealing a touching moment when Casello requested having a fire truck named in his honor. This request reflected his deep connection to his firefighting roots and public service legacy.
According to state law, Governor Ron DeSantis must now call for a special election to fill the vacant House District 90 seat. This process will determine who will continue Casello's legislative work in representing the Palm Beach County constituents.
The Florida House Democratic Caucus has announced that a private ceremony will be held in Massachusetts, Casello's home state, to honor his memory. Plans for a public memorial service are currently in development and will be announced in the coming weeks.
His colleagues in the Florida legislature have begun sharing personal memories and tributes, highlighting Casello's dedication to his constituents and his ability to work across party lines. His reputation for putting community needs above partisan politics has earned him respect throughout his political career.
A memorial fund is being established in his name to support local firefighter training programs, combining his two greatest passions: firefighting and public service. This initiative aims to ensure his legacy continues to impact future generations of public servants.
Representative Casello's passing marks the end of a remarkable career spanning multiple decades of public service, from firefighting to state legislation. His final statement emphasized the privilege of representing people through both unified and challenging times, reflecting his unwavering commitment to public service.
The vacancy left by Casello's death will trigger a special election process, as mandated by Florida state law. Governor DeSantis is expected to announce the election timeline in the coming weeks, ensuring continued representation for District 90 residents.
His dedication to both his former profession as a firefighter and his role as a state representative has left an indelible mark on Florida's political landscape. Casello's legacy of bridging divides and prioritizing community needs will continue to influence future generations of public servants.
