Jack Casey ... died in Marine chopper crash; at 26

Jack Thomas Casey, Captain in the Marine Corps, died in a tragic accident, along with 4 other crew members, Feb 7, 2024 in Pine Valley, CA during a CH-53E helicopter training exercise.

He is survived by his wife, Emma Lindberg of Shepherdstown, W.V., his mother Catherine (Robinson) Casey of Dover, his Father James B Casey of Andover, Maine, grandparents, Jean Robinson of Portsmouth, Janice Casey of Dover and James Casey of Hampton; siblings, James D Casey and Kristen Tavares, Dover, Patrick J Casey, Topsfield, Mass., Sean J Casey and Caitlin Parsons, Nantucket, Mass., and Catherine E Casey and Bryan DiCredico, Berwick, Maine; beloved nephew of 15, favorite cousin of 23, amazing uncle to 6. Jack was predeceased by his grandfather, Richard G. Robinson and his his uncle and Godfather Edward Robinson.

Jack was born April 19,1997 in Dover. He attended St. Mary Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas High School (2015), where he played football and lacrosse, as well being a member of the Robotics team. He then decided he wanted to serve his country in any capacity. He attended college at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. During his time there, he served as company clerk and earned the position of Company Commander for India Company his senior year. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 2019.

He graduated from Officer Candidate school in 2018, earning a pilot's commission in the United States Marine Corps. He ran the Marine Corps full Marathon while training in Quantico, Va. After training extensively, he earned his wings on 9/20/2022, and became a skilled CH-53 helicopter pilot. He was promoted to captain on 9/2/23.

He met the love of his life, Emma Lindberg, in January 2020, and they were married on 12/3/2022 in a beautiful beach ceremony in South Carolina.

Jack was an epic human being. He was bright, hilarious, and a light in this world from the moment he was born. He was the youngest of 5 and learned the precious skill of knowing when to take the high road. His personality was a remarkable combination of drive, ambition, and intelligence, tempered with an incredible sense of fun, humility, kindness, with the unending ability to make any room he was in a happier place. Jack would help you move, plant a garden, build a deck, or smoke a side of beef. He was never too busy to help...anyone.

He could eat Cheetos before Marine Corp fitness tests, running a sub 18 min 3 mile. In the Rumpass Bumpass Triathlon, most people were in racing bibs. Jack wore his beloved Red Sox cut off. Flannel shirts and Birkenstocks were his trademark.

As a leader, he would carry people's burden, and help them find a solution. When in doubt, flat out. Drama was not in his vocabulary, leading by example in a calm, convincing manner. He did the right thing whether or not someone was looking. He was a fiercely loyal husband, son, brother and friend. Our universe has lost a precious, rare, amazing soul.

Honor him by living life to the fullest.

Be like Jack.