Dr. Franklin Casthely

Dr. Franklin Casthely, a beloved husband, father and an accomplished prosthodontic dentist with an unwavering discipline, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 84. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Marie Gerda Casthely and their three children: Dr. Lucie Casthely, Dr. Patrick Casthely and Dr. Dionne Casthely. Furthermore, he is survived by his siblings Dr. Sosthene Casthely, Jean Miotel Casthely, Marie Claire Casthely-Noel and Rose Odette Casthely. His grandchildren include Devin Apollon, Audrey Apollon, Sasha Apollon, Zavian Laguerre, Marly Casthely, Amari Casthely and Sylas McCalla. He is preceded in death by his father Anglade Casthely, his mother Henriette Casthely and brothers Father Joseph Casthely and Dr. Pierre Abdon Casthely.

Born on June 3, 1941 in Saint-Marc, Haiti, Dr. Franklin Casthely graduated from the School of Odontology in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in July 1967. Subsequently, he completed a two-year residency in Dessalines, Haiti from September 1967-69. Shortly after, Dr. Casthely immigrated to the United States and worked at Denthetics, a dental laboratory in Needham, MA. Showing great dental skills over 2 years at Denthetics, he was invited to become Director of the Dental Ceramic Laboratory at the prestigious Harvard School of Dental Medicine from Jan 1972-75.

In 1977, Dr. Franklin Casthely completed a two-year Fellowship in Prosthetics, where he co-authored the article “Precision Porcelain Jacket Crown Technique” in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, September 1977. His commitment to excellence led him to be promoted to clinical professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and become a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Board of Prosthodontic Dentistry. Colleagues remembered him fondly for his sharp clinical and laboratory skills and popularity with the dental students. As a recent graduate, Dr. Casthely opened his private practice in Mattapan, a neighborhood in Boston, from 1977-1980. Driven by a desire to serve others through healthcare, Dr. Casthely not only cared for his patients in his private practice but also was very active in community-based education. He was a well known and respected professional in the Haitian community prior to relocating his practice and moving his family to Miami, Florida in 1980. He left an indelible mark on many families throughout the Haitian-American community in Boston, MA.

In 1980, Dr. Franklin Casthely opened his dental clinic in Little Haiti, Miami, Florida just in time to welcome the wave of Haitian immigrants who forever changed the landscape of Miami. As the first and only Haitian born US licensed dentist in South Florida during this period, Dr. Casthely’s fervor and passion in his industry (including the general health and welfare of the new Haitian immigrants) provided the perfect platform to propel his presence amongst the spokespersons providing stewardship for the new immigrants (many of whom had never received dental care nor fluoride treatment in Haiti.) Not surprisingly, the task was immense and Dr. Casthely was

tirelessly up to the task. Dr. Casthely often offered pro bono services in emergency cases and was known in the community as GROUND ZERO for all dental work. His philosophy was simple, he could not abandon his fellow man - resilience and faith intertwined. Grounded in purpose, his practice grew and was very successful over the years. With that said, Dr. Franklin Casthely, forever the champion of education, was very active in the community. He planned numerous health fairs along with other Haitian American doctors, musical events to help raise money to buy and send supplies to Haiti and his very well known weekly Sunday morning radio program Parole Docteur (Doctor’s Word) where he would invite numerous professionals on the topic of wellbeing ranging from self-care, dental, medical and mental health care. Parole Docteur was on the air for nearly 10 years and served as a foundation for Haitian American professionals that are still involved in the community to this day. On February 1, 2007 Dr. Casthely was honored by Mayor Kevin A. Burns and the North Miami City Council, at a private invitation-only event. He was recognized as one of the pioneers featured in the development of Little Haiti, the epicenter of Miami’s Haitian community, in the book entitled The Story of Little Haiti: Featuring Its Pioneers, by David C. Brown, M.A. This recognition was a distinct honor and one that Dr. Casthely was extremely proud to receive.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Franklin Casthely was a man of life and laughter. He had a unique ability to bring people together. He enjoyed inviting friends over to his office or home for Sunday dinner. He loved tennis - playing daily, it symbolized his zest for life. He received an award from the City Of Miami at the 25th Anniversary of Morningside Park Tennis Center of “longest active member”, a tribute to almost 30 years of sportsmanship and loyalty. Whether it was planning community events - such as a musical concert, health fair, Parole Docteur radio/tv show - or traveling, he took immense pleasure in everything he engaged in. He spoke several languages and demonstrated an acute ability to cross cultural lines. He was an irresistible force in the lives of his family, friends and patients. It was impossible to be near him and not feel the passion for life that radiated around him. Among the many hobbies Dr. Casthely enjoyed, he found great joy in the earth, tending his many mango trees both at the office and at home, and proudly guiding his patients and friends through his garden after appointments and family celebrations.

Dr. Franklin Casthely’s legacy endures in the community he helped shape, the patients whose lives were improved through his care, the students he mentored while at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and colleagues he collaborated with through his leadership. Most importantly, Dr. Casthely leaves a legacy that has sown roots through generations. He never stopped learning - reading, playing the guitar - always curious, always engaged. All the while, by his side, his wife Marie Gerda Casthely, his partner in every sense as shown in their 57-year partnership attributed to loyalty, love, and shared purpose.

A visitation will be held at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, located at 11655 SW 117 Ave, Miami, Florida, 33186, on February 19, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The funeral mass is scheduled for February 20, 2026, at 9:00 am at St Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120 St, Pinecrest, Florida, 33156.

Burial will take place at Woodlawn Park South, 11655 SW 117 Ave, Miami, Florida, 33186, on February 20, 2026, at 11:00 am.