Kenneth J. Castle

Kenneth J. Castle, 56, of Wind Gap, PA and formerly of North Syracuse, NY; passed peacefully with his family by his side on December 8, 2015 at St. Lukes Hospice House after a 3 year battle with cancer. He was born February 4, 1959 in Syracuse, NY; son of Elizabeth “Betty” Castle of Port Richey, FL and the late Walter D. Castle. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 19 years, Debra S. Castle.

Ken was a proud US Navy veteran completing the Navys prestigious Advanced Electronics program. He was ordered off of Christmas leave in 1979 to meet the USS Nimitz as ships company in Naples, Italy as a result of the Iran hostage crisis. He sailed with the ship around Africa to GONZO Station to support the ships communications equipment in preparation for, during and following the hostage rescue attempt, Operation Evening Light. Kens maintenance of Nimitzs special communications equipment contributed to the successful outcome of the August 19, 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident where two Libyan SU-22 Fitters fired upon, and were subsequently shot down by two USS Nimitz F-14 Tomcats. Kens final Navy duty station was the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes “FACSFAC VACAPES”. Ken is both a Shellback and a Blue Nose. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Naval Expeditionary Medal, Naval Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Sea Service Ribbon with two stars. Ken leveraged his Navy leadership and technical experience to work as a technician at Dow Jones and later as the Information Technology Director at various Lehigh Valley hospitals. Ken was a long time member of the American Legion.

He loved his family more than life itself. Family gatherings at camp in NY and spending time with his grandchildren were among his favorite ways to spend his time. Most Friday nights Ken and Debbie would be found enjoying dinner at Detzis Tavern, ordering all his foodwithout onions. Ken enjoyed golfing and was an avid hunter. He will be forever remembered for his large stature and even bigger heart.

Ken will be dearly missed by his wife, Debbie; children, Alycia (Michael) Yozzi of Ashburn, VA; Joseph “Joey” Piazza of Bethlehem, PA and Angela (Jamie) Connell of Moore Twp., PA; his mother, Elizabeth; his sister, Deborah “Debi” Gedney (Michael Sullivan) of North Syracuse, NY; three brothers, Timothy (Mary) of White Plains, MD; Thomas (Marcie) of Lewiston, NY; James (Linda) of North Syracuse, NY; five grandchildren, Marino, Evan, Caden, Michael James and James; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. at The Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Another viewing will be held on Monday from 9-10 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 404 E. Mountain Ave. Pen Argyl, PA 18072 with a service to follow at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will be held at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Lukes Hospice, c/o Development 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015 and/or Courtney Anne Diacont Memorial Fund, 648 Bok Road Nazareth, PA 18064.

Cemetery
Fairview cemetery
1138 Middletown Rd.
Pen Argyl PA 18072
US

Viewing
Sunday, December 13, 2015
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Viewing
Monday, December 14, 2015
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Grace United Methodist Church
404 E. Mountain Ave.
Pen Argyl PA 18072
US

Service
Monday, December 14, 2015
10:00 AM
Grace United Methodist Church
404 E. Mountain Ave.
Pen Argyl PA 18072
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531