Inman

Industry mourns loss of October Research founder

Joseph Renaldo Casa, who made the transition from the world of title insurance and electronic record-keeping to found his own publishing company, died Saturday in the comfort of his Ohio home, surrounded by family. He was 55.

In a career spanning more than three decades, Casa held positions with Record Data Companies, TRW Inc., and Old Republic National Title Holding Co. He also served as president and chairman of the Title/Appraisal Management Trade Association (TAVMA); on the board of directors of the Real Estate Services Providers Council Inc. (RESPRO); as executive committee member of the National Home Equity Mortgage Association (NHEMA); and as an advisory council member for the American Financial Services Association and Mortgage Bankers Association.

In 1999, fulfilling a lifelong goal of starting his own publishing company, Casa founded October Research. Its first publication, "The Title Report," quickly grew from a home office to multiple print and Web publications. According to a statement from the company, Casa took great pride in the rapid growth of October Research, the opportunity to mentor others, and his professional industry relationships and friendships.

Casa is survived by his wife Barbara, who will succeed him as the company’s chief executive officer, and son, Christopher, who will serve as chief operating officer.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3rd, at First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Medina County or The Lance Armstrong Foundation.

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