04/03/2025
At 108, World War II veteran Morris “Morry” Casso is believed to be the oldest living man and military veteran in Massachusetts. More than a beloved resident, Morry lives with his 99-year-old wife, Niecy, at Brightview Senior Living. Their apartment is filled with photos of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, a tribute to the legacy they’ve built.
During WWII, Morry served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in India, compassionately documenting local life. He wrote a heartfelt letter home about the freedoms they were fighting for, especially for women, which was later published in The Boston Traveler.
After the war, Morry led a quiet life of service. During our interview with his sons, Alan and Mark, they recalled that his dry-cleaning business was never just about clothes: “They didn’t just come for the service, they came for him.” He also volunteered at a hospital, warmly guiding visitors to patients’ rooms and always offering kind conversation, Niecy shared.
Morry is also known for his sharp wit and humor. His sons call him a “walking comedy encyclopedia.” He told thousands of jokes, though they admit only a few really stuck.
Alan recalls Morry helping raise his grandson, Zach, and witnessing his first steps, gently saying, “Come walk over here. Walk to me.”
Niecy speaks of Morry with affection: “He’s a fine gentleman.” In 2001, after eight years of courtship, she asked, “Don’t you think it’s time we got married?” Morry came running and said, “I don’t want to ruin a friendship.” Still, he chose love. “It was like a dream come true,” Niecy said. On their wedding day, she peeked through the door, smiled, and whispered, “Wow, he’s cute.”
Mark recalled, “We got a call from him: ‘What are you doing on Thanksgiving?’ We said, ‘We’re spending Thanksgiving in California.’ He said, ‘You have to come home. I have to get married’.”
With heart, humor, and a life of service, Morry still lights up every room.
Pichi Photography
