Center for the literary arts in New York State
IN MEMORIAM: SEAN CASEY
The New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany mourns the passing of Sean Casey, who was a member of the Friends of Writing, an advisory group to the literary arts organization.
Sean died unexpectedly on March 15, peacefully and apparently of natural causes, at his home in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. He was 57 years old.
Sean was senior strategist in public affairs for Eric Mower & Associates, a Syracuse-based firm. He had worked a full day Thursday in his Albany office before his unexpected death that night.
Sean was well known and highly regarded as a public relations professional and someone who understood
how the levers of politics and power operated.
(Photo courtesy Eric Mower + Associates)
He was elected to the Hoosick Falls Board of Education shortly after he graduated from Utica College and served as town supervisor while still in his 20s.
His work on behalf of clients in business and government was valued for his wise counsel, sharp intellect, broad network of contacts and deep reservoir of experience.
With the Writers Institute’s Friends of Writing, Sean volunteered as an original member when the advisory group was formed several years ago. His played a key role in helping to develop fundraising strategies and he offered keen insights on donor cultivation and advancing the mission of the Writers Institute.
“We admired Sean’s ability to generate creative ideas, his love of great writing and his commitment to the Writers Institute and its future,” said director Paul Grondahl. “We will miss Sean’s sharp wit, his hilarious stories, his vast knowledge of local political history and his contacts across the Capital Region.
Sean’s colleagues in the Friends of Writing and the staff of the Writers Institute send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this difficult time. The Writers Institute is donating to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of Sean. He was among the nearly 1 million Americans living with MS and he was a past board member of the upstate New York chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
His stepmother, Mary Casey of Bennington, Vt., three siblings and three stepsisters, as well as seven nephews and nieces, survive Sean. His parents predeceased him. A celebration of Sean’s life was held Saturday, March 23, at the Hoosick Falls Armory, 80 Church Street in Hoosick Falls.