Caserta, who celebrated his 100th birthday in December, was ordained on Feb. 24, 1945, by then-Archbishop John Timothy McNicholas.
In his hometown of Piqua, he attended Saint Boniface school and celebrated his 70th anniversary Mass on March 1, at St. Boniface Church.
During his priesthood, Caserta served only two parishes, spending most of his years at St. Gregory Seminary, the former college seminary of the archdiocese, which closed in 1980; and at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.
When asked about his secret to longevity, Caserta said, “My secret is the good Lord.”
He said he was the only surviving classmate in his class.
A public viewing and visitation is from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 310 S. Downing St. in Piqua.
The Knights of St. John will conduct a service at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the church, followed by the Knights of Columbus at 7:30 p.m. Caserta will continue to lie in state at the church, during which time the public is invited to attend a silent prayer vigil from 9 p.m. Monday through 10:45 a.m. Tuesday.
Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Boniface.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.melcher-sowers.com.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Boniface Father Angelo Caserta Tuition Assistance Fund or Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County.
About the Author