Francis J. Castelli's Obituary
Francis James Castelli, 95, of Decatur, died March 14, 2018 peacefully at his home with his family by his side.
Francis was born January 5, 1923 in Ladd, IL, the son of John and Venusta (Pucci) Castelli. He married Marcella Wright on March 14, 1954 in Decatur, IL.
Francis was a machinist at Levazzi Tool Works in Chicago, IL. During his employment at Levazzi, the US Department of Defense offered him a deferment from military service. He proudly declined and had enlisted in the US ARMY along with his three brothers. He served as a Military Policeman in the Persian Gulf during WWII. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a mechanic for Highfield Buick. He later accepted a position with the Decatur Housing Authority serving as a maintenance man retiring at the age of 67.
He was a lifetime member and past Commodore of the Commodore Decatur Yacht Club (CDYC). He enjoyed ice boating until the age of 88. One of his other joys was gardening. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Surviving are his children, Linda Waller and her husband Dan of Blue Mound,
IL, Susan Walker of Decatur, IL; one granddaughter, Mindy Ziemer; and great grandchildren, Erin Ziemer and Braden McCoskey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marcella, and 3 brothers.
Graveside military rites will be conducted by Macon County Honor Guard, 2:00 PM Monday, March 19, 2018, at Graceland Cemetery.
Memorials: Commodore Decatur Yacht Club (CDYC), Chandler Park, Decatur, IL 62521.
The Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Francis. Condolences may be left to his family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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