John F. Castella was born to Marguerite and Frederick Castella in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 27, 1939. He got his undergraduate and Master’s Degree from Penn State University and married his wife, Patricia, in 1965. They had three children; traveled around the world picking up people and experiences along the way; and retired to Nacogdoches, Texas after their oldest son had children of his own. John, affectionately dubbed Ogre by his loved ones, passed away peacefully on June 23.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Castella of Nacogdoches, Texas; his sister, Bernadette Barry of Jamison Pennsylvania; his son, Joe Castella of Nacogdoches, Texas; his son, Fred Castella of Garland, Texas; his daughter, Leah Castella of San Francisco, California; and his grandchildren Caylee and Hayden Castella, both of Nacogdoches, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Women's Debate Institute, https://womensdebateinstitute.org/donate, a non-profit founded by John's daughter, are welcome.
A celebration of his life will be held on June 30 at 4:00 at 1009 Logansport Street, Nacogdoches Texas.