George Casino Jr., a former longtime Rye resident, died peacefully of natural causes, June 3, 2018, while visiting his niece in Spokane, Washington.

Born in Greenwich on October 18, 1931, he was the son of Mary and George Casino Sr. He graduated from Rye High School where he played football. He went on to Delhi State University from which he earned a BA in Agriculture.

After college, he served in the U.S. Army. Returning to the states, Mr. Casino worked at Texaco Corporation in Purchase until his retirement. For many years, he owned and operated Elm Place Liquor in Rye.

Travel was a huge part of his life. He visited many European cities and went on several cruises. While he loved trying new cuisines, he was especially fond of Italian food.

A history buff, he knew a lot about his hometown and enjoyed sharing information on Rye’s past. He followed all sports, but golf and baseball were his favorites. He was an accomplished ballroom dancer and won several competitions.

Mr. Casino lived in Rye until 2011, when he moved to Missoula, Montana, to be closer to his family. He was an active member of the Missoula Family YMCA and volunteered for special events. He enjoyed a variety of cultural events at the University of Montana, among them the annual Native American Pow Wows.

He is survived by his sisters, Jeanette (Frank) Gray of Missoula, Karen (Robin) Sipe of Missoula, and Janis (Bruce) Nelson of Spokane.

A celebration of George Casino’s life will be held in Missoula this summer.