Casey Owen Braley
Obituary
Casey O. Braley, born and raised in Seattle, passed away July 3, 2025. He was born on Oct. 14, 1959, to the late “Tootie” (Mary) & Bob Braley.
Casey’s lifelong passion with music started with guitar lessons in 2nd grade, performing many years in school talent shows and in his home-music studio. Casey was an accomplished athlete in football (quarterback) & baseball (pitcher & shortstop). He took his Metro Little-League Majors team, the Yankees, to four years of undefeated victory and was thrilled when his team met the NY Yankees in Seattle. Casey went on to play Babe Ruth on the Magnolia team and was a two-year Varsity, baseball (3rd base) letterman on his high school team. Casey successfully tried out for the Seattle Mariners on a whim, but was a couple of years too old for hire.
Casey was a successful motorcycle, sailboat & ski racer; although, like his father, he caught the ‘flying’ bug. While taking flying lessons in high school, Casey graduated from Seattle Prep in 1977. He obtained his Private Pilot license while enrolled in college as an Aviation A. & P. Mechanic. Casey worked for decades at The Boeing Co. as a well-respected lead Expeditor on the 747 in the Supply Chain Division, which included manufacturing support & production, He retired at the age of 55 to pursue his passions.
Active in the local aviation community, Casey owned nine airplanes with several being aerobatic. As a member of both the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the NW Chapter of International Aerobatic Club (IAC), Casey demonstrated aerobatic proficiency while competing in a variety of sport aerobatic contests. If he wasn’t ‘puddle jumping’ up to the San Juan Islands, doing aerobatic sequences with his smoke button on, or dogfighting in the clouds with his local squadron, you could always find Casey tinkering in his hangar—or, having coffee at the Prop Stop or Jet Deck restaurants, enthusiastically talking ‘aviation’ with his flying buddies. Casey left too soon. His family is comforted to know that he is with loved ones who have left before him, and that Casey, ’Sky Dancer,’ is now soaring high with his new angel wings.
Casey lived life to the fullest. He was an inspiration; generous, kind-hearted, knowledgeable and witty.
Casey leaves behind his beloved wife Pricia, his two sisters, Su & Bonnie Braley; many loving cousins, friends and his pets. The family appreciates all the prayers and kind thoughts during his illness. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
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Thomas DiJulio
(Posted: October 13, 2025)
Casey was the first and possibly the truest best friend I ever had. He and I were born about three months apart and our families lived about a block and a half from each other in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. Casey and I were in First Grade together at Our Lady of Fatima. We made our First Communion together. We played on the same Little League baseball team together. And in between, we spent hours together studying Beatles albums and getting blisters on our fingers teaching ourselves to play guitar. A skill that Casey quickly mastered and one I’m still working on. In the summer of 1969, my family moved to Mercer Island. Which, in the mind of a ten year old boy, meant that I would never again see my friend Casey. But just five years later, we were reunited in the halls of Seattle Prep - where for the next four years Casey, myself and my three brothers we all back together, just as we had been in grade school. Casey and I not only took classes together, we also played on the baseball team together, explored the quantum physics of high school girls together, skipped classes together, discovered beer together and even crashed a car or two, together. In 1977, after graduating together, Casey and I went our separate ways, neither of us realizing how permanent the change would be, this time. We connected with increasing rarity through college until, as our lives and directions diverged, we lost contact completely. I don’t remember the last time Casey and I talked. But I do remember every time we laughed. I remember marveling at what a natural Casey was on the baseball field - how a ground ball seemed to get sucked into his glove and how fluidly he threw to first. I remember his quit wit, his crooked smile and his contagious laugh. And I remember, on one occasion, during a test neither of us had studied for, looking up from my blank answer sheet to see Casey staring out the window and smiling. “Case, what are you doing?” I whispered. “It’s times like these,” he said, never taking his eyes from the window, “I wish I were a bird.” It makes me smile to know that Casey got his wish, eventually soaring through the skies in ways that most humans never do, reaching heights that few of us ever will. I only wish I had known him longer and had been there to see it. Fly on, Casey. Your friend, Tommy DiJulio -
Pricia {PreseeYah}
(Posted: September 28, 2025)
My adored husband, 83 days since you departed, Autumn has arrived with it's clamor and conundrum, Torrents of sobbing tears, coldness at night has started, Life and work now such a monotone humdrum, Recalling your feet warming my icicle toes, undercover together forever keeping each other... Remembering explosive giggles, laughter, and nudging elbows... Once again soaring in your living loving embrace, A smile faintly returns and my face slightly glows.... Thanking God above for His mercy and grace, Grateful to our Creator for our times together... Thank you Casey for sharing the rest of your life with me, No power could ever erase our gracious precious treasure..... In Yeshua/Jesus name+ Amen. -
Sue Abrams
(Posted: September 01, 2025)
Beautiful obituary. He was an amazing man of many talents. My thoughts and prayers are with you Pricia💗🙏💗 -
Danny Parascos (Australia)
(Posted: September 01, 2025)
Casey...Mate, Though I didn't have the privilege of meeting you face to face, our brief conversations on the phone & messenger were irreplaceable... Thank you for being a Wonderful Husband to my dear friend Priscia and even though our pathways didn't cross, I feel that I have known you for years. -
Bonnie Braley
(Posted: August 30, 2025)
Casey— You will forever hold a special place in my heart. You were loved by all and will be greatly missed. ❤️🩹 Sending lots of love your way little brother, until we meet again… -
Pricia PreseeYah
(Posted: August 28, 2025)
How I miss you my awesome handsome husband, our savior Yeshua Jesus will capture and measure the flood of my tears. Just in a little while longer we will be together.... Thank you for enhancing my life to overflowing. Our love is forever, soon with angels we will fly together. Your adoring wife. - Leave a Comment