Castel Edward “Cas” Fairclough

Castel Edward “Cas” Fairclough was born on December 24, 1928 in Balboa, Panama.

He was one of the only two surviving children of Isaac Fairclough and Blanch Mamby Fairclough. His older sister, Mildred, preceded him in death on April 27, 2007.

He died January 25, 2011.

Mr. Fairclough left Panama at the age of eight because of his father’s unexpected illness and subsequent death. He migrated to the Carribean Island of Jamaica with his family in 1936. Castel had six children while living in Jamaica; Bromley, Glen, Jasmin, Lavern, Rose and Christopher. Glen and Rose died at young ages.

Mr. Fairclough received his formal education in Jamaica. He crafted his occupation of building masonry in his early years. Mr. Fairclough’s expertise allotted him the opportunity to immigrate to the United States in the mid-1950s and become a citizen.

Mr. Fairclough had a lengthy career as a skilled builder. He worked for years in many different facets but established himself at the New York State Brooklyn Developmental Center. He rose in the ranks of service to be both a department supervisor and Second Vice President of his local union. Mr. Fairclough retired from this institution in 2003 with 30 years of employment. He was a consummate professional who took his work seriously, but was also a dear friend to all he worked with.

Mr. Fairclough met the love of his life, Lillie Beatrice Barron Fairclough in the early 1970s in New York City. The loving couple became friends and their love blossomed while attending the Holy House of Prayer Church in Broklyn, N.Y. They married in 1975 and from the union had one child, Monique.

In Mr. Fairclough’s later years, he became a member of Historic First Church of God in Christ.

Survivors include his children, Bromley, Jasmin, Lavern, Chris and Monique Fairclough, 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives.

In addition, his late wife’s family held a special place in his heart, Bernice Barron, Vernice Battle, Jessie Ross, and numerous others.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.