Frank A. Castelli

Frank A. Castelli, age 95, a lifelong Rhode Islander and resident of North Providence, RI and previously a seasonal resident of Lake Worth, Florida; passed away on October 30, 2023 surrounded by those he loved after a characteristically valiant fight with illness, in which he astounded medical experts with his strength and resilience. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy E. (Pacitti) Castelli.

Born in Providence and raised in Cranston, he was a son of the late Antonio and Anna (Izzo) Castelli.

Frank proudly served in the United States Navy, including service aboard the USS Midway (CV-41), was honorably discharged, and subsequently completed his undergraduate degree from Providence College, received a Master of Arts degree from Boston University, and a CAGS from Ohio State University. He then earned positions of increasing responsibility at Cranston East High School, was Assistant Principal of Hugh B. Bain School, and Administrator of Guidance at Cranston West High School, culminating a 35 year career in education. He was highly regarded by his peers and students alike and was known to be a mentor of utmost integrity and a great motivator of students to reach for their goals and dreams.

In business as well as in his personal life, Frank was a man of strong and quiet character and his word, standing by principle, making righteous decisions, and offering objective and sound counsel. A man with a giant heart, Frank was an accomplished painter and artist, loved good conversation, a great sunny day on the golf course, poetry and music, and quietly and without fanfare always went out of his way to take care of those less fortunate. For decades after retirement, he was a regular fixture at his sons’ businesses, meeting and greeting friends, family, and customers. He had an encyclopedic memory for facts, names, history, and trivia and carried himself always with professionalism, grace and characteristically charming warmth.

Frank was steadfast and fastidious in all he did and cast a long shadow of influence and kindness. He will be remembered by family, friends, and former students as the supportive man who gave wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love and as the husband, father, and grandfather who took care of and pride in his family.

He was the loving father of Mark Castelli (Susan), David Castelli (Sharon), and Deborah Castelli; cherished grandfather of David, Lauren, Taylor, and Natalie Castelli; great-grandfather of Scarlet Rourke; brother of Delores DelSesto and the late Anthony Castelli; and uncle of several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his always faithful canine companion, Bentley.

His visitation will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Pontarelli-Marino Home, 971 Branch Ave, Providence followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mt. Pleasant Ave, Providence. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org