Thursday, April 05, 2012

Dr. Don Sheldon Casanave Passes





















Dr. Don Sheldon Casanave
Beloved husband, father and grandfather passed peacefully Tuesday, April 3.

Born in Chicago and raised in Westchester County, NY. Graduate of Principia College and Leeds University, England where he earned his doctoral degree in English Literature. As a young man Don's golden voice won him the famous Arthur Godfrey talent radio contest, but his love of Shakespeare won out and he enjoyed 10 years as an English Literature professor at Eastern Michigan University. Where he was known for his beautiful lectures, snappy dressing and impeccable grooming. Not your typical professor.

Don never lost his love of singing and piano playing and moonlighted at piano bars and serenaded many a family member at special occasions.

In his later years Don joined his brothers Charles and Chester in the family business founded by their late father Charles Louis Casanave and Fred Astaire as Vice President of the Fred Astaire National Dance Association. In this role, his charm and grace shined and he was a mentor to many.

In his own words, one of Don's greatest sources of pride was his happy and fulfilling 25-year marriage to Sally Lincoln Casanave.

He is survived by his faithful and loving wife Sally, son Jean-Marc, daughter in law Pam, daughter Ondine, son in law David and grandchildren Miles and Marcela.

Services to be held Saturday, April 7th at 2 pm
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
151 SE Mizner Blvd
Suite #16A
Boca Raton, Fl 33432

Donations can be made in his honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

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