Michael Ray Casaretto

Michael Ray Casaretto was born on December 28, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee. He spent much of his youth on The Hill in St. Louis, Missouri, and remained proud of his Italian heritage throughout his life. He passed away at home in San Antonio, Texas, on May 29, 2026, at the age of 73.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Barbara Ann Helfrick; his son, Michael James Casaretto and wife Ashley; his grandchildren, Skylar Michelle Casaretto and Michael James Casaretto; Michelle Fox, who shared many years of life with him; Theresa Powell; his nephews; and other family members and friends

Michael proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War, serving in communications and as a medic.

Following his military service, Michael devoted himself to the nursing profession, becoming a Registered Nurse and caring for patients across a variety of healthcare settings. He ultimately found his specialty in child and adolescent psychiatric care, where his compassion and understanding made a lasting difference in the lives of countless young people and their families.

Outside of his professional life, Michael expressed his creative side through cooking and photography. He was an accomplished cook whose meals were prepared with imagination, skill, and generosity. Through his photography, he captured moments, places, and perspectives that reflected his unique view of the world.

Music was a constant companion throughout his life. He was a devoted fan of the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones, finding joy in their songs, their spirit of freedom, and the communities that grew around them. Michael appreciated good music and the simple pleasures that made life worth celebrating.

Michael lived a full and complicated life. He knew both triumph and hardship, including a long struggle with alcoholism that influenced many chapters of his story and affected some of the people closest to him. His loved ones remember him not as a perfect man, but as a deeply human one—capable of loyalty, laughter, and love. They choose to remember the whole of his life with honesty, grace, and forgiveness.

Michael will be remembered for his quick wit, his service to his country, and his commitment to his patients. Whether through a meal shared with loved ones or a favorite song playing in the background, he left an enduring mark on the world around him.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.