Bob Casale

AKA:

Bob 2

Birth Name:

Robert Edward Pizzute Jr

Birth Date:

July 14, 1952

Birth Place:

Kent, Ohio

Death Date:

February 17, 2014

Place of Death:

Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, Los Angeles, California

Age:

Cause of Death:

Heart failure

Cemetery Name:

Standing Rock Cemetery

Claim to Fame:

Music

Bob Casale was a founding member of the influential new wave band Devo. Often referred to as "Bob 2" to distinguish him from bandmate Bob Mothersbaugh, Casale played rhythm guitar and keyboards, contributed backing vocals, and was a key part of Devo's sonic experimentation with synthesizers and sampling. He joined Devo in the early 1970s alongside his older brother Gerald Casale, one of the band's conceptual founders. Casale was known for his technical expertise and grounded demeanor, often serving as the stabilizing force within the band. He contributed to all of Devo’s studio albums, including their 1980 breakthrough Freedom of Choice, which featured the hit single "Whip It." Beyond his work with Devo, Casale worked as an audio engineer and producer, collaborating with Mark Mothersbaugh’s Mutato Muzika on numerous film, television, and commercial projects. He continued to perform with Devo during their reunions and later tours.

Not-S0-Fun Facts

What do Kent State Massacre and Devo have in common? In early 1970, Bob Lewis and Gerald Casale formed the idea of the “devolution” of the human race after Casale’s friend Jeffrey Miller was killed by Ohio National Guardsmen during the Kent State shootings. Casale joined Devo in 1973, after being recruited by his brother Gerald.

According to his brother Gerald, Bob went to the emergency room because he was coughing up blood. He was scheduled for tests and his family went home. During the tests, Casale became “agitated” and was given a sedative, after which his blood pressure plunged. He was given epinephrine. When his heart stopped, the medical staff was unable to get it started again.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Standing Rock Cemetery

1361 N Mantua Street

Kent, Ohio, 44240

USA

North America

Map:

Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio

Grave Location:

Section 12, Cremation Garden

Grave Location Description

As you enter the cemetery from North Mantua Street, drive straight ahead to the 2nd intersection and turn left. Drive past two sections on your right and turn right on the road that runs between Sections 1 and 13. Drive ahead to the large outdoor mausoleum and park. Across from the mausoleum you will see a marble wall unit in the cremation garden. Guitarist and keyboard player for DEVO can be found on the top row.