Heartbroken Family Puts Aside Wedding Planning, Searches For Missing Father And Husband

WOODBURY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- It's supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but wedding planning has taken a back seat for a local bride-to-be.

Suzanne Locascio's father, who had already been measured for his tuxedo and picked out the song for the dance with his daughter, has vanished.

Locascio never imagined that her beloved father would go missing just hours after a tux fitting for her upcoming wedding.

"He had gone that morning and actually called and talked to me about his tux," Suzanne told CBS 2's Andrea Grymes, "He was excited for it."

What should be a joyful time for the Locascio family of Cornwall has turned into a nightmare.

Raymond Locascio, 62, described as a doting family man, disappeared without a trace six weeks ago, leaving his daughters and wife of 41 years mystified and heartbroken.

"We went to high school, college and kindergarten together. He's my best friend," Barbara Locascio said.

It all started on the afternoon of July 8 when Raymond, a bank courier, dropped Barbara off in Monroe.

From there, he was supposed to drive on to his job in Peekskill. His wife says it was a different route than normal and that he never made it.

After getting a call from Locascio's job, his family called the police.

Two days later, Locascio's Ford Taurus was found off Route 6 in Woodbury next to hiking trails in Bear Mountain State Park.

Locascio's family said that it is odd that his car was found in a direction that would have had him driving back towards Monroe, not his place of work.

They believe that he may have gotten disoriented in an area with spotty cell phone service.

"He's a diabetic. He hadn't had lunch. He works crazy hours. He had been up since two in the morning," Barbara said.

State police said they have not ruled out anything from foul play to suicide to a horrible accident.

Barbara admitted that the family has had money problems and that their house is in foreclosure, but she does not believe that played any role in his disappearance-- especially considering the wedding.

"He was so excited, We talked about what song he would dance to with her," Barbara said.

"We have to keep hoping he's out there somewhere," Suzanne added.

Locascio daughter stressed that her father was not paying for the wedding and that he does not usually travel with his diabetes medication.

State Police said that they have conducted several searches and are following every lead in the case.

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