Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Frank Eugene Castiglione, 95, of Staunton, Ill., formerly of Benld, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 23, 2022. The son of Guy and Della Castiglione, he was born in Benld, on Dec. 5, 1926.

Frank graduated from Benld High School in 1944 and began working at the Western Brass Mill. Frank served as a Master Sergeant in the Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was in the Army from 1945-1946, the Army Reserves from 1950-1951, and the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1952-1960. Frank was a member of the VFW and American Legion. Frank was honored as the only World War II veteran on the 50th Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2018. Frank began a career with the United States Postal Service in 1948. He was a postal clerk and carrier in Benld for 30 years. He served as Officer-In-Charge in both Eagarville and Mt. Clare, and later promoted to Postmaster in Butler. Frank completed his 50-year postal career serving as the Staunton Postmaster for 16 years. Frank was a member of the National Association of Postmasters.

On Sept. 16, 1959, Frank married the love of his life, Patricia (Ban) Castiglione. Frank and Pat traveled to New York City on their honeymoon where he was a winning contestant on the game show, "The Price Is Right." Frank and Patricia were married for 51 wonderful years before her passing in 2011.

Frank and Patricia had three daughters, DellaKay Castiglione of Benld, Jeanmarie (Harry) Johnson of Maryville, and Carolee (Blane) Gordon of Staunton. Frank has three granddaughters, Kelli (Zack) Brown of Los Angeles, Calif., twins Gina and Holly Petrie of Staunton, and one long-awaited boy, 7-year old great-grandson, Shane, whom he adored. Frank loved dogs and leaves behind three special ones, Copper, Molly, and Charlie.

Frank enjoyed marching band music, western movies, and books about history and war. He loved both playing and watching sports his entire life and was a devoted Duke basketball, Crimson Tide football, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and self-appointed coach.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Eugene. He will be remembered as a loving son, "Custy," a devoted father "Papa," a giving grandfather "Grampie" and an adored great-grandfather "PaPaw." He will be missed as he now finds peaceful rest with God.

Friends may call on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Benld from 9:30 until 11 a.m. Funeral services are Friday, July 29, at 11 a.m. at Kravanya Funeral Home, Benld. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Macoupin County Animal Shelter in remembrance of Snicky and Ashy. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.