Don Casino's Obituary
CASINO, DON Family, friends, and the entertainment community across the world; all have lost their wonderful Don. Don Casino, half of the partnership of Don Casino Productions, Inc. passed away after a long courageous battle with a series of illnesses. "Where do I begin?" said his devoted wife, Candi Casino, with whom he shared 35 years of love, and the building of a successful business; booking talent from all over the world on the major cruise lines sailing from all ports to all destinations. Don was born in Harlem, New York, of Italian heritage, the son of Frank and Nettie Gaccino. In Harlem, he attended P.S. 78 and then went on to follow his dream to enter into a career in show business. This took him to the big city, California, previously married to international star, Diosa Costello and then settling in Florida, where he met the love of his life, Candi Scott. His family meant the world to him. He was deeply devoted to his sister, Louise Cataldo (Louis), niece Shelley (Jack), nephew Rick (Barbara), grand-nephews, Jonathon (Jen) and Chris, and their families, and all his darling Yorkies. A dashing crooner for years and an actor in a movie for 2 glorious minutes, Don retired from singing to book others and set the bar for the impeccably dressed man. At the sold-out Ship Showcases in Miami, Las Vegas and London, Don would introduce his acts with so much affectionate admiration that any artist couldn't miss shining in the spotlight. He and Candi also sponsored a host of Charity Benefit Shows to help others in need. A handsome master-of-ceremonies, he conducted these shows so that strangers could proceed with their life-saving medical care. In 2013, Don and Candi were honored as the "Dream-makers" Man and Woman of the Year, by Leading Ladies, Inc., auxiliary of the Transplant Foundation, Inc. This charity was founded at Candi's suggestion in 1995 and Don was always considered the token leading man. In addition to his New York family, he is survived by wife Candi Casino and her children and grand-children: Barry Friedman (Zareen) Tyler, Wendy Friedman Garvis (Scott) Samantha and Lily. Services will be held on Tuesday at 12 noon, at Levitt-Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 18840 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach,(305) 932-2700. Interment will take place at Beth David Memorial Gardens, 3201 N. 72nd Ave. Hollywood, FL (954) 963-2400 Donations in memory of Don may be made out to: Leading Ladies, Inc. c/o P.O. Box 4316, Hallandale, FL 33008
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