ALBANY – Francesco “Frank” Casatelli, 86, of McKownville, entered into eternal peace Monday, February 22, 2010 at the Stratton DVA Medical Center in Albany. Frank was born May 23, 1923 to Pietro & Enrichetta Nardone Casatelli in the Bronx, NY. He was raised in the Bronx and Brooklyn, but lived in McKownville for over 59 years. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, and proudly served his country in an army special forces unit in the Philippines. He was employed by the New York Telephone Co., and by the Marble & Tilesetters Union, then became president of Manhattan Tile Co. and later Capital District Tile Co. Frank was a member of the Albany Elks and the Albany Yacht Club, and for over 59 years a member of the McKownville Fire Dept., serving through the ranks and as commissioner for six terms. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Hudson-Mohawk Volunteer Firefighters Assn., and was recognized as firefighter of the year. He also served his community by volunteering at several nursery schools and special ed classes, and was a cub scout leader. Frank also enjoyed hunting and boating, but most of all he cherished his family.
Frank is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Jane Hunter Casatelli; his daughter Lorraine V. Casatelli-Morse (Jerry Morse, Jr.) of Coeymans Hollow; his daughter in law Felicia Casatelli-Ballard; his granddaughters Larissa (Jared Wells), Rheanne and Kallian Morse Coeymans Hollow; his grandson Franklin Casatelli, McKownville; great-granddaughter Adisyn Taylor Wells, Coeymans Hollow; his brother Fred Casatelli; his dear friend Michael Burns; and by many nieces, nephews and an extended family of friends. Frank was predeceased by his loving son Billy and his brothers Al, Faust and Michael Casatelli, and his sisters Mary Gabarino, Carole Pascucci and Rita Lomascolo.
Frank’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses, aides and staff at the VA Hospital for the care they provided, they are truly angels walking among us.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Friday at a time to be announced. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Albany. In keeping with Frank’s giving to others those who wish may make memorial contributions to the McKownville Fire Dept., 1250 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or the Stratton DVA Hospital, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. To leave a message of condolence for the family, view or print a prayer card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Theresa Casatelli
I have not a bad word to say about uncle Frank!! We had so much fun when us kids would get together with our fire hats and coloring books!! The BIG FOOTBALL!! The best. I love you uncle Frank and i will miss you very much. I wanted to be like you and be on the fire department but I am the little girl of the Casatelli’s. You will be missed more then you will ever know!!! 🙁
Anna DellaPasqua
Even though i didn’t know Uncle Frank that well i feel like i knew him from all f the stories i was told about him. I will always love and miss Uncle Frank very very much! <3<3<3
Roy and Kathy Romano
Our condolences to the family of Frank Casatelli. They can be very proud of his service to his country in time of war, and service to his community throughout his life. Rest in peace.
Deborah Casatelli-McGinn
Dear Uncle Frank you will deeply be missed and like Teresa said the good old days at the fire house me michael jimmy and colleen billy and lorain had so much fun playing firemen when ever we came over we thought we we big shots especially when we went to the bar and order soda and chips Then aunt Betty Jane would call and tell us dinner was ready so we would eat and then to the basement we would go where we would have a blast watching the most incredible train track system i have ever seen in my life. then we would proceed to watch them go around until they crashed the best! well now you are with billy and my husband jimmy having cocktails have one for me i miss you all terribly till we meet again i love you all Debbie
Anna Sutton
Our condolences to the family of Frank Casatelli. May your memories of Frank get you through this tough time.
Jeqn Crosby
Dear Lorraine,
I read of your Dad’s passing in today’s paper. Please know that I am thinking of you your family, and you are in my prayers. I know you and your Dad were good “buddies” and you have many good memories. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we worked together; your girls grown and Larissa married. Wow! Regards to Jerry and my love to you and your Mom.
Jean Crosby
Mark & Kelli Moore
Dear Casatelli Family;
We just learned today that Frank had passed. Please accepte our condolences. We have many fond memories of fun times at the Casatelli home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Kelli & Mark
Doug & Jeanne Jacobs
My wife and I were away and just heard of Frank’s passing. Having been friends with Billy for years and knowing Frank for years, we wanted to wish you our condolences.
Frank was an outstanding man and a credit to his family and community. He will sorely be missed.
Love,
Doug & Jeanne
EDWIN ROSA
I KNEW FRANK DURING MY YEARS WITH THE GUILDERLAND CENTER FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST AND I WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
Delores Casatelli Freitag
Among my best memories of our wonderful family were visits to Albany to see Uncle Frank. So much of our time was spent in the firehouse – a treat for all the young at heart……I so loved him , Aunt Betty Jane, Billy and Lorraine and though many miles distanced us they were, are, and always will be close to my heart…indeed a part of who I am. May God welcome Uncle Frank to His heavenly kingdom and may he be joyfully rejoined to those who went before him.
Love you all,
Delores
Rich and Lois (King) Gallager
Dear Betty Jane, Lorraine and family: Rich and I received the notice of Frank’s passing from our daughter Gretchen. Frank was such a grand person with a gentle soul. Our family all thought the world of him and many happy times were spent wth the McKownville Fire Dept. group. (I’m Chet and Mabel King’s daughter.) Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.