Ralph Castner Jr.

Ralph Castner Jr., 65, of Larksville passed on to the Lord, after a long-fought battle with Dementia Pugilistica (Boxer's Dementia) on Thursday morning.

He was born in Orange, N.J., son of the late Ralph and Blanch Castner.

He started his boxing career at the age of 12 in Orange, N.J. Ralph went on to become the three-time New Jersey Golden Gloves Champ.

After approximately 80 amateur fights, Ralph turned professional and went on to a successful pro career. Ralph was voted best prospect of 1970 by The Friends of the Boxing Community. He moved to Pennsylvania and finished his career with a record of 12-2-2. Ralph quit boxing because the love of spending time with his family became more important than boxing.

He was a dedicated father who loved his wife and children. Ralph went on to become a friend to everyone he met and would do anything for a family member or friend. He was loved by many.

Ralph had a passion for hunting and fishing and would spend countless hours with his sons in the outdoors.

He also loved golfing, crabbing and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

After boxing, Ralph worked as a carpet installer and then a steel worker until he was diagnosed with dementia in 1998.

Ralph passed on the same way he lived his life, "Never give up and don't stop swinging 'til the very last bell." And even though he lost his battle with dementia, in our eyes it was a split decision.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Joey Pasternak.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara Castner; daughters, Lori Castner, Pittston; and Barbara Fender, Plymouth; sons, Ralph Castner III, Edwardsville; and Michael Castner, Dallas; sister, Sharon Pasternak; brother, Bob Castner; grandchildren, Mark, Matthew, Michael, Ralph IV, Alyssa, Katlyn and Sarah; and one great-grandchild, Adam Joseph.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 5 p.m. from Williams-Hagen Funeral Home Inc., 114 W. Main St., Plymouth, with the Rev Edward Gospodinsky officiating. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until time of service.