George Cass

George Frank Cass (family original name Castranova) passed away on May 13, 2017 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. George’s charm and quick wit endeared him to everyone he met.  When in a group setting, he always had a story that made everyone listen and often laugh. The oldest son of Angelo and Nancy (DiLieto) Castranova, he was born in New York City on August 23, 1939. He grew up on Staten Island where he graduated Curtis High School.  In fact, on May 7, 2017 he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Loyola University, Maryland. He served as a proud member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves. George had a lifelong passion for family, golf, Civil War history, pet dogs, world travel and cooking Italian food.

George began his distinguished insurance career in New York City. Subsequently he joined Maryland Casualty Company in Baltimore, Maryland. It continued as Executive Vice President when Zurich Insurance Group acquired the company. He “retired” in 1992 to join American Eagle Insurance Company in Dallas, Texas as President. Soon after he retired again in 2003 he moved to Jacksonville. He came out of retirement to join Zurich Insurance Services, Inc. as a senior vice president of strategic expansion. Always a man on a mission, he developed new products.  He created and instructed many underwriters in a unique financial management course which boosted many careers and benefited the company’s success.

His generosity showed no bounds. He was quick to volunteer his time, his leadership skills and an outstanding problem solving capability that enabled him to get many things accomplished.  He was past president of the board of directors of the Grand Reserve Condominium Association, Inc. and a member of the Neighborhood Advisory Board where youthful first time offenders could avoid criminal records.  He also represented Windsor Parke Golf Club as a member of the Jacksonville Area Golf Association. George was an active member who served on the church council of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.

He is survived by brothers Frank Castranova (Bev), Bob Castranova (Jackie), sister Nancy Lafser (Chuck), nieces Kim, Kristi (Joe), Kelly (Mike), Taylor, Christina, and nephews Michael and Matt (Amber), step children Gwendolyn Mercer and Andrew More (Diana) and step grandchildren Katie, Gage, Allison, (Ariel), Lauren and Zachary and a large extended family. He was loved and cared for by his devoted life partner Carolyn A. Landress. George enriched the lives of all who knew him with his positive attitude, his sense of humor, his helping hands and his inspirational strong faith in the Lord.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 29 at 3 o’clock pm at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 1801 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the building fund of the church or a charity of your choice.