nicola casella '78, p '02
There is a large contingent of first-generation Americans among Notre Dame alums and a smaller contingent of proud immigrants. This evening, Notre Dame honors an alumnus in the latter group who came to America from Caserta, Italy, at the age of 5 with his mother and brother. Nicola (Nick) Casella '78 made the trans-Atlantic voyage in 1965 and settled in the Fair Haven neighborhood with his maternal grandparents.
In the eighth grade at Fair Haven Middle School, Nick heard about Notre Dame. "I decided to apply, but I didn't tell my mother. She found out at an awards assembly when I won the Gold Medal in the oratorical contest, and Mayor Bart Guida asked where the winners were going for high school. The thrill of winning and telling my mother about Notre Dame was only surpassed by our becoming naturalized American Citizens on that same day."
Casella continued his education at the University of Bridgeport and Southern Connecticut State University. Starting in the insurance industry as a claims adjustor and sales representative, he launched his own enterprise in 1998. His North Haven firm specializes in Medicare Insurance products and services.
Conscious of all that has come his way since that trip across the Atlantic, Casella never hesitates to give back to the community when the opportunity arises. You will encounter him at the North Haven Rotary Club, North Haven High School's mentoring program, and the Read Aloud program sponsored by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce. He extends his time, talent, and treasure as a Board member of Elderly Housing in North Haven and Building Homes for Heros committee member. His engagement with the Italian American Youth Foundation and the Marc Anthony Casella Education Fund is most dear to his heart. The tragic loss of Casella's son, Marc Anthony '02, in an automobile accident was the impetus for establishing the fund. Annually, Notre Dame students receive Education Awards that help pay their tuition at ND in memory of Marc Anthony.
Nick and Elisa Casella reside in North Haven. Their daughter, Cristina, is a staff member at the North Haven firm.
