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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jan 2001
JOSEPH ROY CASTELLI * '46
No. 15862 * 18 Oct 1924 - 15 May 2000
Died in Carlisle, PA * Inurned at West Point Columbarium, West Point,
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JOSEPH ROY CASTELLI was born in Crocker, MO. His brother, Vincent, recalled:
"Our parents were teachers and we did many things as a family. Dad enjoyed
studying birds, a trait that passed down to Joe. He was active in all aspects
of high school life, a good student and athlete." Joe was Valedictorian
of his class and attended Westminster College, Fulton, MO for one year
before entering West Point on 1 July 1943
Cadet life was a challenge for Joe. His irrepressible personality kept
him in constant hot water with the Tactical Department, but he thrived.
Joe was an outstanding softball pitcher and led his company, B2, to the
Corps Intramural Championship. Joe graduated a second lieutenant in the
Infantry.
After basic Infantry training at Fort Benning, GA, Joe became a paratrooper
and ranger. He served in the 24th Infantry Division, the 82and Airborne
Division and the 187th Regimental Combat Team. His military service took
him to Japan, Korea, Burma, Thailand and Italy. Joe married Helen (Tomi)
Thomas in Furgeson, MO on 14 Jan 1950. Classmate, Ken Barlow remembered:
"Joe was so enthusiastic and cheerful and approached all tasks and life
with confidence. He was probably the best softball pitcher in the Far East
and led the all Army Far East team to the military championship in 1948."
In 1962, Joe taught Geography at the Air Force Academy and soon transferred
to the Air Force. He attended the Air War College during his tour at the
Academy and was later assigned to the US Embassy in Rome as the Air Force
Attaché. Joe was proud to be the first non-rated AF Attaché
assigned to a major western power. While at the Academy Joe earned his
Ph.D. at the University of CO.
Retiring from the Air Force in 1973 as a Colonel, Joe joined East Stroudsburg
University to teach Geography and Geology. He rose to Full Professor and
Department Chairman and later, Dean of Social Sciences. He received the
Commonwealth Distinguished Teaching Chair Award for 1979-80.
During his tenure with East Stroudsburg and after his retirement from
teaching, Joe and Tomi, a historian in her own right, were very active
in community affairs. They both enjoyed travel and Joe was an avid woodworker
and golfer.
Joe died 15 May 200 in Carlisle, PA after a valiant struggle with cancer.
Survivors include: wife, Tomi; sons, Marc, Jeffrey and Joseph; brother,
Vincent and six grandchildren.
Joe Castelli exemplified what it means to be a West Pointer. He was
dependable, always enthusiastic, a problem solver and totally trustworthy.
In both his careers, he was known as someone who would get things done,
could be depended upon no matter what and could come up with solutions
to problems.
Eldest son, Marc, recalled: "When I was young, he related a story about
his appointment to West Point. 'My great-grandfather, an immigrant from
the Tuscany region of Italy was a farmer in MO. When my father got his
appointment, he went with his father to see the patriarch to tell him the
good news. His grandfather's reaction was to cry. His eyes brimming with
tears, he told how so proud he was and of being an American, how great
this country is. In Italy, no son or grandson of his could have gone to
that country's military academy. Only the sons of nobility had that privilege.
Here he was a farmer again but an American this time, and his grandson
was going to West Point.' As I was 9 or 10 when I first heard this story,
I truly felt to be part of something grand. Now at 49, I just heard my
father tell the story again as my brother with his family and me with mine
visited my father's ashes at the Columbarium at West Point. I think of
my father as the greatest man I've known."
Son, Jeffrey, remembered: "My father was a great man, a great father
and a great soldier. He was one of those rare people who were loyal to
his family and his country, never wavering from his own demanding code
of ethics. Of all the things he taught me, the ones he showed me through
his own actions were the most important."
Brother, Vincent, remembered: "Joe always tried to help all his friends
and did it because he wanted to and for no other reason. Joe was an inspiration
for me; he was my idol, my best friend and my big brother. He encouraged
everyone he touched to do what was right and to perform to the best of
their abilities."
Loving wife, Tomi: "Joe was a devoted father and was always there for
the boys. He was a loving husband and supportive of my professional endeavors.
He kept the home fires burning during my Earthwatch expeditions to Tibet,
Siberia and Yugoslavia."
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Joe wrote: "As a friend who
could be depended upon to help when needed."
Joe would be proud and pleased to hear his classmates say the words
that would mean so much to him: "Well Done, Joe; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
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