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Cosmo Castaldi Obituary
Cosmo is survived by his sister Xenia in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, by his wife Anita and their four children: Joseph, Daniel, Peter, and Diane, as well as seven grandchildren, and two great-grand children.
Cosmo received his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Toronto, and his Masters in Pediatric Dentistry from Northwestern in Chicago. While in Chicago he met Anita, his wife of sixty years. Anita was a nurse at Children's Hospital, and they had a mutual patient who insisted they should meet, and the rest, they say, is history.
He practiced dentistry for several years before devoting his life to teaching, holding positions at Indiana University '52-'56, University of Alberta '56-'65, University of Manitoba '65-'68, and Oregon Health Sciences University '68-'69. In 1969 he was selected to create the new Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the UCONN Health Center, where he remained as chairman until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, he spent ten more years donating much of his time and energy to the dental clinics at UConn's John Dempsey Hospital. Cosmo was a pioneer in the advocacy of fluoridated drinking water and in the development of many specialized methods in dental treatment for children with disabilities. He truly loved his profession and was a beloved mentor and colleague to his friends and fellows internationally.
Doc's other great passion in life, apart from dentistry, was hockey. He began playing as a child back in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario. He often spoke of playing pick-up hockey in the street with frozen road apples. His love of hockey eventually led to his playing on the Canadian Air Force team in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he served as a Captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force Dental Corps during World War II. His team-mates were mainly NHL players who were attached to the various services and also stationed in Halifax. In the winter of 1969-70 he began as assistant coach of the All-star Midget team in the Hartford Amateur Hockey Association, then located in South Windsor. At the time there were no town leagues so players came from all over; he often left the house two hours before practice in order to pick up children who had no other way to get to the practice rink. Weekends were spent traveling to different towns and cities, and every year he and Head Coach Frank Pendergast would haul the team to Sherbrook, Quebec, Canada for the annual "shellacking" at an invitational tournament, followed the next week by the equally difficult challenge of the New England Tournament. Doc's goal was always to push his players to excel, and to improve the coaches' knowledge of what it took to be champions. His crowning achievement, in amateur hockey, was to see the team ultimately win the New England tournament.
In addition to coaching amateur hockey, he was also a part owner and scout for the Sudbury Wolves, a Junior A team from his old home town. He was instrumental in identifying several Hartford-area players who ultimately played in this semi-professional league.
It was clear from his dedication to youth hockey and dentistry that he believed in hard work and perseverance in pursuit of his goals. He brought his considerable energy and passion to his stance on the use of mouth guards to reduce dental injuries. This ultimately led to his involvement with the American Society for Testing and Materials. His research and subsequent testimony at national and international conferences on mouth guards, face shields, skate blades, and rink boards were instrumental in the adoption of standards for kids hockey, many of which are taken for granted today.
In his home life, Cosmo was an amateur painter and played the saxophone and clarinet. He studied painting at the Banff School of Fine Arts during the summers in Alberta. Another interest was the small apple orchard on the family property in West Hartford, which led to his involvement in the Connecticut Pomological Society.
Cosmo's interests in dentistry and hockey kept him in contact with people from around the world. He once lectured at a University in East Germany; behind the iron curtain. He made several trips to the U.S. Naval base in Naples, Italy to advise the military dentists and the local dentists on what they could do for children. He traveled to Sweden with a group from Connecticut to play in an old-timers tournament. Back home Cos and Anita frequently hosted international students studying dentistry and other subjects at UCONN.
He was a great man who impacted so many. Join us in expressing our thanks to a husband, father, and mentor who accomplished so much.
A celebration of Cosmo's life was held on Wednesday, March 30, at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Gathering hours were from 12 noon to 1 p.m. with testimonials by family and friends at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers and other remembrances, in memoriam contributions may be made to UCONN FOUNDATION-CR CASTALDI LECTURESHIP FUND (10 Talcott Notch Road Suite 100, Farmington, CT 06032), or to the WEST HARTFORD YOUTH HOCKEY (P.O. Box 270695, West Hartford, CT 06127). Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com.
Please sign the Guest Book at RememberingCT.us/westhartfordnews.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cosmo Castaldi
Joe Rinard
September 20, 2017
May The Lord Bless Cosmo's Soul! I remember how he stood for quality dental work. You unexpectantly visited Alice, deceased in 2010 and I when we lived in Duluth, Mn. while I was in the USAF. Great memories Anita.
Joseph Castaldi
April 6, 2011
Good lessons I learned from my Papa…
I learned how to hold the wood steady when he cut it and how to blow the sawdust off the cut line so he could see where to cut. I learned how two people have to cooperate in order to easily guide a D-saw through a thick log.
I learned how important it was to have a piece of property upon which to build, even if the construction never begins. And sometimes the boys get to cut the grass (or the weeds) because we need something constructive to do.
I learned that the very best hugs come at the end of the day, when you run to him, calling his name, Papa, Papa, Papa.
I learned that fathers and husbands cook for their family; and they come home at lunch time when JFK is shot, and our mother is too grief-filled to get out of bed; to make us peanut butter and date sandwiches.
From the perspective of a boy, these were good lessons to learn.
I learned humility when he showed what that looked like when he was awarded by his peers.
I actually helped and learned how to assist his students in the temporary clinics set up in drafty houses treating anyone who showed up at the door.
I learned that sometimes a father works in the clinic on the weekends or late at night because it is the right thing to do – to make that sacrifice without complaints or bravado afterwards.
I learned my manners from my mother and my enunciation from my Papa. I found my way through life from both of them and still I am learning. I discovered I knew him as a boy and his work mates called him generous and humble and a great man.
From the perspective of a man, these were very good lessons to learn.
Steven Hinchey DMD
April 1, 2011
I met Dr Castaldi as a dental student at UCONN and a hockey player. Cos organized a dental student team that played in the bitter cold of Avon Old Farms on Sunday nights. It later merged with a group of professionals (not hockey) called The Invalides. Doc would show up each week with some new piece of equipment he was testing.
In the dental clinic, I did not think Doc knew my name. One day, after helping me with a case, he declared loudly "Hinchey, I don't know if you are a better dentist or better hocky player... but you're doing okay". My classmates just broke out laughing.
At our senior golf/dinner outing, Doc presented me with a most improved hocky player trophy from The Invalides.
Several years later, while still playing with the group, I asked where I could get used equipment for my 9 year old son. He brought me home at 11:30 pm, to his basement that had row after row of hockey jersies and other equipment. He pick out a uniform for my son, and then went to his work bench and put together a helmet.
The ultimate honor for me was when I told him I was opening a family practice in my home town Glastonbury. He smiled and said "its about time, now I know who to refer to on that side of the river". My very first patient was as adult friend that Doc Castaldi referred to my practice. I can never forget that.
Thank you Doc - your guidance,mentoring, and encouragement.
Ann Whiting
April 1, 2011
I was saddened by the news of Doc Castaldi. I have fond memories of time spent with the Castaldi family during my childhood years. Mrs. Castaldi was always warm, welcoming, and offering me something great to eat,while Doc Castaldi was always bigger than life and full of zest.
My parents always shared a special bond with the Castaldi family with their Canadian roots, and love for the game of hockey.
Thank you for the nice memories. My sincere condolences on your loss.
Ann (Bonney)Whiting
Pat Bishop
March 31, 2011
My condolenses to Anita and Coz' family at this time of sadness. Coz was a great guy, a man of conviction and someone who had a deep passion for hockey and for hockey safety. He never forgot his Sudbury roots and was always ready for a game whever he travelled. It was my good fortune to know him and to interact with him at ISO and ASTM meetings. He will be missed!
Tim Sheehan
March 29, 2011
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Castaldi, and my deepest condolences to his family. But I do that know heaven’s hockey team just got a whole lot better, with Cos either behind the bench or as a player-coach. One of my favorite childhood memories is being 8 years old, playing pond hockey at Wood Pond, with Cos flying around like he could still play Junior A somewhere in Canada, despite being in his fifties at the time. As I got older, and Cos became a hockey mentor to me and my buddies, and I can’t think of a better one.
When I was younger I earned a fair amount of criticism for not passing the puck enough, but I think I was around 13 or 14 when Cos took care of that in his own inimitable way, with words that will stay with me to the rest of my life. “Timmy,” Cos said, as I skated to the bench for what was certain to be a well-deserved and very loud lecture, but instead Cos was quiet [that didn’t happen often with me, Cos and hockey], but he put his arm around me, looked at me earnestly, and said, “Timmy, hockey’s a simple game: you give the puck to me, I give it back to you. That’s it.” So basic, but so true – that’s really all hockey is, we can call it different things, systems, X's and O's, give-and-go, headman, etc., but it’s all about sharing. Although I was never a naturally gifted playmaker like Paul Haggerty, Johnny Alissi or others I played with – it was a lesson about life and hockey, that will stay with me forever. And also how he imparted it, quietly, and with affection – especially when we both knew I deserved to be chewed out, and loudly so – which was Dr. Castaldi’s preferred method of delivery.
As I got older and Cos would urge me to try out for one or another different junior hockey team, and I would tell him I didn’t think I was good enough, Cos wouldn’t hear of it, believing in me despite my not being the strongest or most talented kid around. My senior year in high school, when I got a letter from Tim Taylor, the long-time former Yale hockey coach, I knew Cos just had to have been involved somehow; unfortunately, the Yale Board of Admissions saw things a little differently than Cos and the Yale hockey coach did. That’s alright, I just hope that when it’s my time, Cos is sitting on the board of admissions above.
Sirpa Ahonen Nordlund
March 29, 2011
Having had the great opportunity of being one of the foreign exchange students Doc and his family have hosted, I may express my deep condolences to his wife Anita and all their children and grandchildren.
The unforgettable memories from Castaldi's were Doc's strong and committed personality: very inspiring discussions on wide range of topics about life and politics, hobbies and professions as well as purpose of being here. Thanksgiving dinners, both Canadian and American. Watching Rocky in the basement and his explanations on the background of the movie. Among all the other things this Canadian-Italian taught a Finn how to saw wood. He was absolutely correct on predicting the amazement of my family back home: is that what our daughter learned while in America?!
I am always grateful for hospitality I encountered at Castaldi's: Anita's devoted care and Doc's continuous encouragement to me to pursue higher in life. Doc's straightforward guidance was not only during the exchange student year, but all the way through my university years. He sent me a letter some 10 years after I had spent my exchange student year in West Hartford telling me how to do my PhD and where -and whom to contact! True networking across the borders in the era of letters written with Remington.
He did not hesitate to give also hard feedback, but never left the youngster without tools or means to correct the performance next time. Doc had unbelievable devotion to young people -and I am sure I am not the only one he had very inspiring influence on.
Sent with gratitude and remembrance.
David Bonney
March 28, 2011
God never put a more enthusiastic mentor of life on this earth. Whoever his vast interests touched -from his UCONN colleagues and dental students to his contacts in the sports equipment safety and regulation industry, to all the hockey players in the greater Hartford area and all his friends throughout the world- he left an indelible mark on each one of us. His zest for life was unparalleled. To experience this all you had to do was introduce yourself, and he took it from there. You would likely find yourself invited to join him for a hockey session on the ice at West Hartford Arena, where you would be amongst a group of friends ranging from dental students to kids he used to coach- and their parents- to local business people. And afterward you would be invited back for a repast provided by his lovely wife Anita, who would engage everyone in lively conversation.
Having the great fortune to have known him for almost all his time in Connecticut, he provided me with a sliver of his life's gusto, and I have used that to carry on his work of spreading his great love of life to all the kids I have taught and coached, and with everyone I meet.
His legacy will be long remembered and emulated, but never equalled. My heart goes out to his wife, children and relatives.
God bless you Doc.
Rich Madara
March 27, 2011
To the Castaldi Family, May a great man rest in peace. I have often thought of Cos whenever I pass by the homestead. Heaven just got another player on their team, joining Frank and my Dad. My condolences to all. Rich & Ellie Madara
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