All posts by : Scott Okamoto

Casiano has had a rich and long history of service in the Sacramento community.  A graduate of Sacramento High School, his life of service began in a laundromat assisting with sheets, pressing, washing clothes and delivery.  Later, Casiano would go on to work for UC Davis as a custodian, he would remain working for UC Davis for over 39 years.  One of Casiano’s favorite and most fond memories working for UC Davis was riding the buildings on the floor cleaner – he compares this machine to a Zamboni.  His business savvy was exemplified when he chose to remain a county employee during the UC Davis split-off, this decision was not popular among his peers, however Casiano had the foresight to know that even though he would make “one dollar less per hour”, it would pay off in retirement.

Casiano’s resourcefulness, along with a mind set to help people, led him to a very eclectic life.  He was always open to learning new talents to fit what he needs at the time.  One of those talents was auto upholstery, starting with his own ’59 Chevy El Camino.  He furthered his custom work on automobiles by retrofitting his van to include a closet, stove, icebox and television run on battery which charged when he started and ran the car!  His love of automobiles didn’t end there, Casino won multiple awards drag racing at the Sacramento Raceway. 

When Casiano wasn’t hitting the road or working on his custom automobiles, he would frequently be found diving in the American River, Sacramento River, Lake Tahoe, off Catalina Island, around Monterey Bay and off the coast of Mexico.  When he wasn’t traveling, he would be working on a new piece of art or setting his aim on the pins at a local bowling alley.  Casiano famously drank a beer before he bowled so he “wouldn’t be as nervous!”  He paved his own way, living life and enjoying every moment and experience to the fullest.  His adventures and experiences were altered when he was kicked in the arm by a horse he was working with.  He no longer was able to do many of the tasks and hobbies that he previously enjoyed.

Casiano likes being in the background, not wanting the recognition or fanfare for his work and philanthropic giving.  An example of his humility was his participation in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.  Every year he would adopt 3 children from the Angel Tree, purchasing holiday gifts from their lists.  He jokingly remembers when he would adopt little girls who would request Barbie dolls.  Without meeting them, he never knew which ethnicity or hair color version to get them.  Being a considerate gentleman and never wanting to offend, he would purchase them one of each available.  Needless to say, his wallet was happy when he pulled a boy’s wish list!

Casiano was inadvertently introduced to ACC through his daughter, Christina, who had previously volunteered at both ACC Greenhaven Terrace and the ACC Event Committees.  Over the years since, Casiano has utilized many of ACC’s services including the ACC Care Center, ACC Greenhaven Terrace and currently as a resident of ACC Maple Tree Village.  As he adapts to his changing health, he finds it important to continue to give back both in his oral history and in donating tangible items, not wanting anything to “go to waste”.  Casiano reflects back on his life experiences and shares these wonderfully colorful stories with his family.  He continues to identify needs in the community and has a desire to fulfill those needs when possible.  Recently, he donated a folding pool table and a portable roulette wheel to the residents of Maple Tree Village.  When asked what spurred his donation, he said that it is “something different to do” for everyone here and that he envisioned a pool tournament including a small group of residents from each floor, bringing the entire community together.

These are meaningful gifts that not only enhance the community at Maple Tree Village, but reflect back to his colorful life experiences and fond memories.  The pool table brought him back to when he traveled to pool halls with his uncle who was a ruthless pool shark.  The roulette wheel reminded him of his many gambling trips to Reno where he would watch the slot machines that others played all day without a pay out, and then swoop in and win a jackpot after they left their seat.  Casiano is a true renaissance man, multifaceted and always looking out for everyone else before himself. 

He truly would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.  We are very appreciative that Casiano chose ACC to call home.