John Caswell

John Caswell, age 92, died at his Newport home on Bliss Mine Road home, January 5, 2015. John was an 11th generation native Newporter, born in his Vernon Avenue family home on July 2, 1922. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Heath Caswell, of 49 years, two sons, John and James, and their wives, Valerie McKay, and Caroline Johnson (respectively), six grandchildren, Jennifer Caswell, John Caswell, Jason Smith, Jillene Barbarow, Jamie Nandra, and Alison Olson, and eight great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his first wife, Agnes Bernhardt, and siblings Marion, William, George, and Borden.John was a World War II United States Army veteran. Mr. Caswell was well-known locally for his lengthy careers as coach, teacher, and principal for the Newport Public School system. He was a graduate of Compton Junior College and the University of Redlands, CA, and attended, Salve Regina University and Rhode Island College. From 1959-1986, John was principal at the Callendar, Mumford, and Sullivan Schools. For 7 years, he successfully coached baseball for Rogers High School and is also remembered for the many summer seasons he served Newport youngsters as baseball director at Vernon Field.An excellent athlete in his youth, John was awarded RI All State Honors for football and baseball in 1940-1941. During the 1940's period when the Cardines Field Sunset Baseball League flourished, John excelled as a first baseman and pitcher. He was player/manager for the Bull Memorial team when they captured the league championship twice. In honor of his contribution to Newport Athletics, he was inducted into the Newport Hall of Fame (2005) and Rogers High School Hall of Fame (2008). He was also captain of the baseball teams at Compton Junior College and the University of Redlands. John was born of old New England roots. Through his father, William Bacheller Caswell, Jr., he was descended from the early Newport family, John Peckham and Mary Clarke, sister to Rev. John Clarke. Through his mother, Helen Lawton Sisson, John was directly descended from several of Portsmouth's founding families. John was a loving husband and parent who was respected and liked by many in the community. He will be fondly remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Robert Potter Animal Shelter would be welcomed. Calling hours have been omitted. A Christian funeral service and interment will be private. A reception in honor of his life, will held at the Elks on Bellevue Avenue on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 1 PM.