Frank C. Castiglione

Frank C. Castiglione, age 66, of Munising, died at his home under the loving care of his wife, children, and North Woods Hospice on Wednesday morning, June 24, 2015. He was born on January 7, 1949 in Detroit to the late Carmen and Rita (LaVoy) Castiglione. Frank was proud that he grew up in Detroit and that he was influenced by his Sicilian grandparents. His years of schooling were spent at St. Agatha's Catholic School and he graduated from high school 1967. Frank attended Eastern Michigan University and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education. He taught Physics, Aerospace and Electronics at Aquinas High School in Southgate for four years. Frank married Susan M. Rose on June 12, 1976. They were part of the back-to-the-land movement in the 70's and soon after their wedding, Frank and Susan moved to the Munising area. They were given a school bus for a wedding present and they lived on their property in their bus while they constructed their home. Frank built a beautiful home where he and Sue raised their three children. Frank appreciated Mother Earth and the gifts provided to him. They spent a lot of time with many friends who also shared that respect. Frank worked at Harthow until he underwent a bone marrow transplant in 1991. Frank began working with wood, but he always had a desire to work with metal. He began collecting tools and self-taught himself the art of turning metal into magic. His art was a true passion of his. Frank became involved with the Munising Bay Arts Association. He became instrumental in organizing the Farmers Markets and other festivals that many of the locals and tourists have enjoyed over the years. He also helped coordinate the Art Association's involvement with the Rekindle the Spirit development. Frank served as a trustee for AuTrain Township for two terms. During that time, he became involved with the Alger Parks and Recreation Board. Frank enjoyed working on that board and was proud of helping acquire the Central School location for the community. Frank was a man who could communicate with anyone he met because he was knowledgeable over a spectrum of subjects. Frank enjoyed having fun with his family. He had twinkle in his eye and a goofy laugh that became infectious with those who were around him. He had an appreciation for sound and was fascinated by music. Frank taught himself to play the piano and recorder, and he was teaching himself to play the flute. Not everyone in his family appreciated Frank's eclectic music choices and they were often unimpressed when he would wake them up in the early mornings with Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Their lack of impressiveness only encouraged the twinkle in his eye and his laugh.

He is survived by his love of over thirty-nine years - Susan Castiglione of Munising; their beautiful children - Brigitta Mohar of Newberry, Natalie (Nathan) Henderson of La Selva Beach, CA, and Michael (Amy) Castiglione of Fenton; grandchildren - Claire and Jacob Mohar, Kinall, Conner, and Parker Henderson, Olivia Castiglione, and a new baby due in November; siblings - Lenny Castiglione of Carlsbad, CA, Cazzie Belenky of Grosse Pointe, and Michelle (Ed) Sweeney of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents Carmen and Rita.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Visiting time will be from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Frank's service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with an invitation to family and friends to share stories and memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to a charity of one's choice or to the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge. The Hope Lodge offered Frank and Sue a place to stay when he underwent treatment. Donations may be sent in Frank's memory to: Hope Lodge, 411 Second Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901.