James Castelli

James Castelli, 80, of East Alton, IL, died at 5:00 p.m. Sat. Feb. 23, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Nov. 6, 1932 in Mont Clare to the late Bennetto & Theresa (Giacomelli) Castelli.

James was a US Army veteran and retired as a mold maker in 1993 from Owens IL mold shop after 42 years of service. He was a member of VFW Post 1308. James had a wonderful sense of humor and was an accomplished wood worker and golfer.

On Dec. 19, 1953, he and Helen M. Pruett were married in Bethalto at Our Lady Queen of Peace. They celebrated 57 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on Nov. 16, 2011.

He is survived by: a daughter and son-in-law, Catrina M. & Raymond Corethers of Godfrey, IL, 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Tony & Thelma Casetlli of Barstow, CA and Tim & Debbie Castelli of Beggs, OK, 7 grandchildren, James, David, & Timothy Castelli, Ashley, Benjamin & Codie Corethers and Amy Castelli, 2 great-grandchildren, Dakota Baxa and Adrian Corethers, a foster granddaughter, Brittany Smith, 3 step-grandchildren, Carlos, Ferdinand & Juan Vero and a nephew, Dino B. Castelli.

Besides his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Dino Castelli.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 at Paynic Home for Funerals. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Peace with Fr. Tom Liebler as celebrant. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memory Gardens with military honors by VFW Post 1308.