Frank J. Castaldi

Frank J. Castaldi, aged 84, previously resided at Harrison Street, Wilmington and then in Penn Acres, New Castle, passed away on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Frank graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School in Wilmington with the class of 1958, where he was class valedictorian. He was a member of the basketball team, and notably scored the first point in “the box” in 1957. He played an active role in the ceremony to remove the basketball net during renovations at St. Elizabeth’s gymnasium in 2001. Frank held affiliations with the Delaware Hall of Fame Society, Stapler Club, Our Lady of Fatima Golf Committee, and the Knights of Columbus, achieving the 4th degree rank. He spent six years in the Delaware National Guard, earned sharpshooter distinctions, and was discharged as a Sergeant in 1971. Frank was deeply involved with the Wilmington Boys Club. At age 15, he started working at the Boys Club as a locker room attendant and five years later he became director at the Boys Club on Jackson Street. He was well on his way towards a career in providing a “second home” to thousands of kids and leading programs at Camp Mattahoon and mentoring youth. As a junior at St. Elizabeth High School in 1957, he received the Boys Club “boy of the year” award for his contributions to the club, church, and school. In 1970, Frank was selected to be the director of the newly constructed Clarence Fraim Boy’s Club on Union Street. In the 1990’s Frank served as Director for New Castle County Parks & Recreation until his retirement to care for his parents. He continued to referee basketball and baseball games in the county. As a member of the Ed Oliver Golf Club, Frank volunteered as a starter in retirement. He spent much of his time playing golf and competing in tournaments with his many friends. He was known for his polite smile and gentlemanly manner. Frank cherished his family and friends. Along with his sister and brother they valued the tradition of Sunday Italian dinners at his niece’s house, where they gathered to share stories and laughter, leaving many to cherish the memories. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Frank Castaldi; his sister, Loretta Messick, and her husband, William; and his niece, Sheila Messick Pruett. He is survived by his brother, Thomas; nieces, Sheryl Cook and Denice Whatley; nephews, Frank, William, and Kevin Messick, Kevin and Jason Castaldi; along with many great nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Manus Duffy for his lifelong friendship and support. Thank you also to the staff at Rockland Place and Vitas Hospice for their kindness in caring for Frank. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 801 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to St. Ann’s School Education Fund, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806 or online by clicking here.

Frank J. Castaldi

June 10, 2025