Rep. Joe Casello Passes Away After Heart Attack

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Rep. Joe Casello Passes Away After Heart Attack \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Florida State Representative Joe Casello has died at age 73 following a heart attack. A former firefighter and city commissioner, Casello was known for his dedication and humor. Tributes poured in from colleagues honoring his service and legacy.

Quick Looks

Florida State Rep. Joe Casello died after suffering a heart attack.
He passed away surrounded by family and his longtime girlfriend.
Casello was 73 and had recently announced a 2026 county commission run.
He served 30 years as a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Before state office, he was a Boynton Beach city commissioner.
Casello was first elected to the Florida House in 2018.
A private ceremony will be held in Massachusetts.
A public memorial will be announced in coming weeks.
Rep. Christine Hunschofsky called him “kind,” “supportive,” and “GQ Joe.”
Florida law requires a special election to fill his vacant seat.

Deep Look

The Florida political community is mourning the loss of State Representative Joe Casello, a former firefighter turned lawmaker whose dedication to public service spanned more than five decades. Casello, 73, died after suffering a heart attack, the Florida House Democratic Caucus confirmed Friday. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and longtime girlfriend.

“We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack,” read an official statement on X (formerly Twitter). “The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time.”

A lifelong public servant, Casello began his career not in politics but in the firehouse. For 30 years, he served as a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was known for his grit, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the safety of others. His transition into public office in Florida was fueled by the same passion for community engagement, eventually leading him to become a respected voice in state government.

From Firehouse to City Hall

After retiring from firefighting and relocating to Florida, Casello began his political journey in Boynton Beach, where he was elected to the city commission. His ability to connect with residents, listen to concerns, and advocate for practical solutions earned him trust across party lines.

Known for his accessibility and responsiveness, Casello quickly became one of the most recognized public servants in Palm Beach County. Constituents recall seeing him frequently at community events, neighborhood meetings, and public forums—always approachable, always engaged.

In 2018, he successfully ran for the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 90, which includes parts of Palm Beach County. He brought with him a no-nonsense approach, rooted in blue-collar values and a deep belief in fairness and accountability.

A Promising Campaign for County Commission

In early 2024, Casello announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in the 2026 election, aiming to expand his service at the county level. His campaign focused on infrastructure, affordable housing, and protecting working families—issues he championed throughout his legislative career.

Political observers noted that Casello’s name recognition and track record made him a strong contender. His sudden passing not only creates a vacancy in the state legislature but also marks the premature end of a promising chapter in local politics.

Under Florida law, Governor Ron DeSantis is now required to call a special election or special primary election to fill Casello’s seat in the Florida House.

A Lawmaker with Heart — and Humor

Though Casello served in a deeply divided political era, he was widely respected for his bipartisan spirit, humility, and humor. His colleagues in the Florida Legislature affectionately called him “GQ Joe,” in reference to his sharp wardrobe and polished presence. But behind the charm was a man of substance, committed to legislative ethics and community-centered policymaking.

Rep. Christine Hunschofsky posted a heartfelt tribute on X:

“Joe was a wonderful person, always positive and supportive. He was a Massachusetts native and had a wicked sense of humor. He served in the legislature with humility, grace, and a fierce sense of purpose. Joe was down to earth, kind, and cared about every person he came in contact with. He was always one of the best dressed in Tallahassee and I would call him GQ Joe. I will miss serving with Joe and I will especially miss his friendship.”

Colleagues describe him as someone who could defuse tense committee hearings with a well-timed joke, but also speak passionately when it mattered most. His background as a first responder gave him a real-world perspective rarely found in legislative chambers.

Legislative Highlights

During his time in the House, Casello served on multiple committees focused on public safety, infrastructure, and consumer protection. He introduced and supported bills that aimed to improve emergency response coordination, expand access to affordable housing, and protect Florida’s senior population—issues informed by his personal and professional experiences.

Casello was also known for advocating for local government autonomy and practical, nonpartisan governance. He maintained strong relationships with both Democrats and Republicans, a rare achievement in today’s political landscape.

Even while working on legislation, he never lost sight of the individuals behind the policies. He made it a point to meet personally with constituents affected by the laws being debated, and his district office was known for its welcoming atmosphere.

Final Arrangements and Tributes

According to the Florida House Democrats, a private ceremony will be held in Casello’s native Massachusetts, where he spent his early life and firefighting career. A public memorial service will be organized in Florida in the coming weeks to allow constituents, colleagues, and friends to pay their respects.

In Tallahassee, flags were lowered and moments of silence observed as news of his death spread. Lawmakers and staff members described the loss as personal and profound.

“Joe Casello wasn’t just a colleague—he was a friend, a mentor, and a bridge-builder,” one House staffer shared.

Public Reactions and Legacy

Tributes continue to pour in from across the state and beyond. On social media, messages reflect not only the sadness of the loss but also gratitude for a life well lived:

“He was the kind of person who remembered your name, your family, and what mattered to you.”
“Joe stood for service above self. His legacy will live on through the policies he helped pass and the lives he touched.”
“We didn’t always agree politically, but we always respected each other. Joe was the best of us.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Joe Casello’s passing leaves a void in Florida’s political landscape—one that will be difficult to fill. Yet his legacy is not defined by the offices he held, but by the values he lived every day: service, kindness, humility, and perseverance.

He came from a generation that believed in showing up, in working hard, and in treating every person with respect. Whether he was fighting fires in Massachusetts, walking neighborhoods in Boynton Beach, or representing his district in the state House, Joe Casello led with a servant’s heart.

As Florida prepares to select his successor, it does so with the memory of a man who exemplified what public service is meant to be. His leadership may be gone, but the impact of his life will remain—in legislation, in community, and in the hearts of all who knew him.