Francis M. Castner

Francis M. "Butch" Castner, 84, of Sharpsville, passed away Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025, in UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell. Mr. Castner was born on June 7, 1941, in Youngstown, OH, a son of the late Francis P. and Nora (O'Malley) Castner. He was a 1959 graduate of Sharpsville High School. Butch was a U.S. Army Veteran and a graduate of Youngstown State University. He retired from the Catholic Exponent, a newspaper for the Youngstown Diocese. Butch was a member of St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed rooting for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians/Indians and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was also a fountain of knowledge about Mercer County sports. Above all, he loved to attend and cheer on his three great-grandnieces at their sporting events. He was also very interested in photography and enjoyed taking pictures at birthday celebrations and the various sporting events of his great-grandnieces. He is survived by a sister, Mary Lou Castner, of Sharpsville; a niece, Amanda (Traynor) Clune and her husband, Kevin, of Twinsburg, OH; and three great-grandnieces, Kelsey, Macey and Lindsey Clune. In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by a sister, Norene M. Traynor and her husband, Peter J. Traynor. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, Building Fund, 2599 Broadway Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or to a charity of the donor's choice. Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Monday (10/27/2025) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday (10/28/2025) in St. Bartholomew Church, 311 West Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, with Rev. John Miller, pastor as celebrant. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.