Tom Casazza, of Starline Luxury Coaches, is being remembered for his contributions to the industry.
Casazza, 69, a former resident of Staten Island, New York, died peacefully in his home in Sumner, Washington, on Nov. 1 after an 18-month illness. A memorial service for Casazza will be held at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sammamish, Washington, on Jan. 8 at 11 a.m.
Casazza, a longtime Transportation Manager for Starline Luxury Coaches, was known as an exemplary leader who devoted himself to his employees’ safety and success as well as passenger satisfaction for 20 years.
He took part in United Motorcoach Association (UMA) fly-ins and testified before regulatory and legislative committees about industry issues. He built a reputation as a problem-solver.
One issue Casazza played a role in was party bus legislation in Washington.
When a potential bill would have resulted in drivers becoming de facto liquor enforcement officers responsible for maintaining all of the liquor control laws on a bus, he successfully worked to change the language.
“In our state, passengers can drink liquor on board a bus if they buy a permit and take full responsibility for everything that happens. The legislators had a good intention, but it would have had a major effect on us,” he told Bus & Motorcoach News for a 2017 story. “We were able to rewrite the bill and limit it to vehicles with perimeter seating and dance poles. Yes, that is what party buses are like. My point is, be aware of what is going on and be active, because something can go through real quick without you knowing about it.”
Built relationships
Casazza was well-respected by government workers at the state and local level, which benefitted Starline Luxury Coaches and the industry in general.
“I have good relationships with all of the compliance officers, whether they are state or federal,” he told Bus & Motorcoach News for a 2021 story.
Outside of work, Casazza traveled extensively, loved spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed animals, boating and cooking.
He is survived by his mother, Patricia Casazza, and his two sisters, Patricia Mandella (Michael Mandella) and Joan Murphy (John Castagna), and three children, Eileen Berecsky, Thomas Casazza and Charles Casazza. In addition, he has numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Casazza was preceded in death by his longtime soulmate, Victoria Jackson, and his father, Charles, both in 2016. Casazza traveled extensively, loved spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed animals, boating and cooking.
