Frank Casatelli

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 .