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.
John toomey
Such a wonderful guy. Many fond memories growing up on Franklin street and going to the boys club. As they say he was a legend in his own time. Sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends. John Toomey
Joe Gardner
Frank was a big part of my life at the Jackson Street Boys Club. Also a outstanding basketball player at St. Elizabeth’s. Sorry for your loss Thomas
Tony Delfino
Frank was one of my mentors when I began officiating basketball in 1988. We worked several high school and CYO games together throughout the years. Always had a smile and a laugh every time you saw him. An all-around good guy and gentleman. A great human being. Rest in peace, Frank. Condolences to his family and friends.
Jim Mahoney
Became acquainted with Frank many years ago at Stapler A.A. What a great guy and a very nice man. Enjoyed his company. Always positive and pleasant. Sorry for your loss.
Bob Burleigh
Truly a Great Man, who impacted the lives of countless boys and young men. My condolences to the family.
Terry Koston
Fortunate enough to have met Frank in my early years playing pick up basketball games at Delmore Park. He encouraged me to explore working with youth at the Jackson Street Boys Club. During the four years period I was on the staff, I worked with Fran both at the Summer Camps and
Tommy Episcopo
Sorry for your lost,Tom.Frank always smile on his face—–stupp.
Tommy Cox
Frank was a mentor and father figure to a generation of young kids. He taught us respect, understanding and how to cheat in ping pong! RIP buddy, you truly changed the world!
Bill Kirlin
I met Frank as a child at Fraim Boys Club and he truly was a gentleman and a mentor. He was a positive influence and a good man. Thank you Frank for the time and effort. Rest well my friend.
Gene niland
I played against frank in the 50 s. St. Peter’s and st e had a great relationship. I remember him as a great guy Gene niland
Karen Pritchett
I was fortunate to know Frank through the NCC Sports and Athletics program with the Delaware Mens Soccer Association. Frank was always a gentleman, knowledgeable and with a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Larry Gardner
Many great memories of Frank especially from the boys’ club. My first day at the boys’ club on my 7th birthday in 1957 Frank was in charge of the upstairs gym for the younger members. He ran me around the gym holding me up over his head and I loved it. Eleven years later I was in charge of that same area and always tried to make the young members have a lot of fun like Frank always did. I was lucky to see Frank many times until a couple years ago at Porky Oliver Golf Course. Rest in peace Frank, thank you for all the great memories.
Tom Kaminski
Frank lived across the yard from my Brother, Frank Kaminski, in Penn Acres, New Castle. Frank was very friendly and always had a kind word and a smile. I loved reffing basketball games with him. RIP Frank, hope you and my Brother are playing The Masters in Heaven.
Mark Connor
To the Castaldi Family,
I remember going to Fraims on their opening and orientation with my Dad in 1970. That’s when I met Frank and his staff. I said, nice to meet you Mr. Castaldi, he said call me Frank! In later years I would see Frank @ Greenhill / Porky Oliver. A great guy and a life well lived. RIP “Mr. Cataldi”!
John Fiorelli
At Fraim boys club Frank was like a second father to many Canby Park & Union Park Garden boys, including myself. As I grew older I got to know him as a real gentleman.