John A. Castner

We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father, John A. Castner (Jack), passed away at home after enduring a brief, terminal illness. Our world has lost a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend.
Born and raised in Archbald, Pennsylvania, Jack graduated from Archbald High School in 1954, where he excelled in mathematics, played saxophone in the band, sang in the glee club, and proudly played football. He maintained close friendships with his classmates for over sixty years and cherished their annual reunions. After graduating from Penn State University, Jack served in the Army National Guard and later settled in Endicott, where he lived until his passing. He spent his career at IBM in the printer division and was a proud member of the IBM Quarter Century Club.
Jack was an avid model train collector who enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing, and, in his younger years, playing softball. He treasured time with his close friends—John and Alberta, Bill and Teresa, Stu and Marion. Fall weekends were spent cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Washington Commanders, often accompanied by his favorite treats: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and an ice-cold glass of chocolate milk. Jack was also known for his remarkable ability to fix just about anything with a little ingenuity and a trusty roll of duct tape. Through his mother’s side of the family, Jack embraced his Irish heritage, often sharing stories and traditions passed down through generations.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Marian; his sister, Marilyn Speicher; his parents, Mildred and Ambrose Castner; his in-laws, Mary and Edward Debish; and his brothers-in-law, Ed Debish and Paul Davis.
Jack is survived by his two children, John J. Castner (Endicott) and Judy Castner-Bloom (Endicott); his only grandchild, Bianca Bennett Bloom and her husband Elden (Los Angeles, CA); his brothers, Robert Castner (Marian) and William Castner (Archbald, PA); sister-in-law, Joan Davis (Carbondale, PA); brother-in-law, Paul Debish (Maryanne) (Forest City, PA); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Funeral Mass for Jack will be held on Wednesday, February 4th at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 W. Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends on Wednesday at Church from 9:30 am until Mass time at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.