Former Malibu resident Cas Joseph Kwake, 90, of Woodbridge, Va., died on Jan. 10 in Arlington, Va., of natural causes. Cas was born in Homer City, Pa., to John and Mary (Bobek) Kwake on March 6, 1924.
During World War II, Cas was inducted into the Army and transferred to the Air Force, earning the rank of staff sergeant. He was a radio operator and served in the United States, Italy and North Africa from 1943 to 1946. Cas married Helen Hutton on Oct. 6, 1946 in Woodside, N.Y.
Cas lived in Malibu for 30 years and was a successful salesman and sales manager for a large cosmetics company. He was a Little League coach for his son and the Malibu Lions for 12 years and loved sports, winning all over L.A. County for the Sheriff’s Dept. in basketball. He enjoyed playing in volleyball leagues and tournaments in Los Angeles, Prince William and Fairfax counties.
Cas and his wife travelled all over the world with family and friends. After home builders went bankrupt, he did the finish work for three of his homes, teaching himself how to install cabinets, decks, appliances, flooring, etc. Cas lived in Prince William County, Va. for 38 years.
“Above all, Cas loved his family as they loved him,” a loved one shared. “He will be sorely missed. His grandchildren called him the ‘World’s Greatest Grandpa’ and, to him, it was the best recognition of all.”
Cas is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen; son, Tom (Risë) Kwake of Camarillo, Calif.; daughter, Karen (Alan) Harvey of Falls Church, Va.; seven grandchildren, Katelyn Kwake of Studio City, Calif. and Evan, Lindsay, Jillian, Sarah, Katherine and Matthew Harvey of Falls Church, Va.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Caroline, Jack, Andrew, Stanley, Virginia, Helen, Charlotte, Steve and John.
A viewing and funeral service with interment took place on Jan. 17 at National Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Falls Church, Va.