Cornelis Casey Genemans Jr.

at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital after a long battle with esophageal cancer.

Casey was born in Akron, Ohio on July 31, 1957 to parents Eleanor and Kees Genemans. He grew up in Parma, Ohio along with his brother Ted, where they attended Parma City Schools. After graduating, Casey would attend Tri-C Community College for two years before transferring to the University of Akron, where he would receive his Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. He would later complete a Masters Degree in Music Performance at Bowling Green State University, as well as receive a music educators certification at Cleveland State University.

Casey became a music teacher in the Akron Public Schools shortly thereafter, where he would teach all levels of instrumental and general music classes, including at Buchtel High School, East High School, and Jennings Middle School. Casey’s pride and joy was leading the jazz band programs during his tenure as a music educator, along with his world drumming program that he started at Jennings Middle School. He retired after 31 years of teaching in 2016.

Casey was a professional percussionist and played in several local groups in Northeast Ohio, such as the Gene Fiocca Band. He was the drummer for the middle school show choir ETC, where he proudly performed alongside his partner Cheryl Boigegrain (director and pianist) and his son David (electric bass). After his retirement, Casey loved performing as a drummer in several small club bands, especially alongside his close friends Betsy and Jake Tijerina.

Casey was a music lover of many genres, most of all jazz. He could often be found listening to an eclectic selection of recordings at home and in the car, often by his favorite artist Pat Metheny. Casey had several other hobbies over the years, one of which, photography, would win him several awards on the amateur circuit. He also thoroughly enjoyed attending live musical events, flying drones, riding his electric motorcycle, and enjoying his recently acquired electric car.

Casey is survived by his partner Cheryl Boigegrain, and their beloved dog Roxie; sons David (Brooke) and Andrew (Clare), and their mother, Laura Genemans; brother Ted (Kathy) and his nephew, Joshua. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor May Lansell (Genemans/Ewing), and father, Cornelis (Kees) Genemans Sr.