Adolph Caso

Mr. Adolph Caso, of Weston, died Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.  He was 89.

Born in Passo di Mirabella, Italy, Adolph was twelve years old when he came to America with his mother Prisca and settled in Watertown. Because of the war, he had only one year of schooling in Italy, but the Watertown School System placed him in grade six.   He did not speak English and sat in the back of the room looking at the encyclopedias. That experience hardened his resolve to become a life-long learner and a master of languages. He was a graduate of Watertown High School.

Adolph joined the United States Army’s ROTC program in college and was commissioned a second lieutenant when he graduated.  Following his active duty he joined the Army Reserves and was discharged as a colonel in 1994.  In all, Adolph served the nation with honor and distinction for more than thirty-six years.

He graduated from Northeastern University and then earned a master’s degree in romance languages from Harvard University where he was also a teaching fellow. He taught at Waltham High School and became chairman of the Language Department.

Adolph became the publisher of Branden Books, an old respected Boston publishing house and edited and published many books there, including The Straw Obelisk (WWII novel), Tuskegee Airmen (the first definitive documentary of Black pilots in WWII), Water and Life (poems in Italian and English), Boy Destined to America (an autobiography), Weston Veterans of WWI and II (co-authored with his wife Margaret), and many others purchased by colleges and universities.  

He also started an online school for Italian language and cultural learning called Dante University.  He was a member of the Knights of Malta and a frequent speaker at ceremonies in his hometown of Weston and other places.

Adolph married Margaret Starrett in 1999, who became his right hand person in editing and publishing.  Margaret was a business department teacher skilled in publishing.  They worked together for many years.

Together Adolph and Margaret attended and supported Saint Julia’s Church in Weston.  His love of family, faith and community were demonstrated by his love for children and young people who needed his encouragement and support.  He was a great blessing to many who will always remember and love him.

He is survived by his loving wife Margaret; three children, Richard, Robert and Liana; grandchildren, Daniela, Laura, Anthony, Isabella, Maximilian and Alessia; great grandchildren, Leonardo and Jackson; Margaret’s children, Jim, David, Karen, and Mark; grandchildren, Peter, John, Kate, Nicole, Rudi. Douglas, Suzanne, Mark, Elizabeth, Magnus and Winston and great grandchildren, Parker, Olivia and Nora.

He was also a brother of the late Chris Caso, Luisa DeAngelis, Nina Capone and Gilda Centofanti.

Family and friends will honor and remember Adolph’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, July 27^th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Julia’s Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Weston.

To watch a broadcast of Adolph’s Funeral Mass please visit www.stjulia.org at 10 a.m. on Friday morning.