Joseph J. Castelli

Joseph J. Castelli, 80, formerly of East Poplar Street, Nanticoke, died Friday, December 19, 2008, in the Golden Living Center, East Mountain Drive, Plains Township.
Born in Mocanaqua, he was a son of the late Peter and Millie Denoy Castelli. He was a graduate of Shickshinny High School. He attended Luzerne County Community College, University of California, Berkley, and received his master’s degree from Temple University. He began his career as a master carpenter for Dominick Cresci Construction. He became the first carpentry instructor at Wilkes-Barre Area Vo-Tech when it opened in 1972, retiring in June of 1998. He was a past president of WBAVT Association.
He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. .He was an avid golfer. He loved all sports, especially basketball and baseball. He loved fishing and “liked to hook the big one.”
He will be sadly missed by his friends, co-workers and golfing buddies.
He was preceded in death by son, Peter Castelli; and granddaughter, Jessica Mertz.
Surviving are children, David, Harrison, Ohio; Joanne, Kansas City, Mo.; Lisa Mertz, Allentown, and Edward, Harrisburg; grandchildren, Joseph, Gina, and Donna Castelli, Justin Mertz; companion, Olive Mae Lewis. Also surviving are: Marie Castelli, James Lewis, Cindi Harper, Emory Faux, Timothy Faux, Stephanie Faux, and Alexis Faux
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2008, at 11 a.m. from the Kielty-Moran Funeral Home, 87 Washington Ave., Plymouth, with Pastors Barbara Saxe and Joyce Zebeny officiating. Friends may call an hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen.