Obituary of Raymond F. Castler

Mr. Raymond F. Castler, 86, of Amsterdam, entered eternal peace on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, on what would of been his 58th Wedding Anniversary to his beloved wife Sondra "Sandy" Gray Castler. He passed away at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady with his loving family at his side. He was born on February 16, 1932 a son of the late Frederick J. and Victoria Wachel Castler. He was a lifelong area resident and was a 1950 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam. He served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955. Mr. Castler was employed for more than 40 years at NY Telephone Company as a Switchman and Lineman. He was also employed at the Bigelow Sanford Mills and his family's business the former Castler's Market in Amsterdam. Raymond enjoyed the outdoors and the activities included hiking in Hope Falls, NY, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting and camping in the Adirondacks with his family. Mr Castler also enjoyed bowling in various city leagues. He was a former member of the Ft. Johnson Volunteer Fire Company. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. On February 28, 1960 he was united in marriage to Sondra "Sandy" Castler. Together they raised a family and tended to all of the animals on the family farm. Sandy passed away on Feb 6, 2015. Survivors include his three sons, Gary Castler of Orlando, FL, Michael Castler of Amsterdam, and Andrew Castler (Pam) of Amsterdam; his brother, Fred "Butch" Castler and his wife Ruth of Broadalbin, NY. ; three grandchildren, Ian Castler and his wife Rachel, Katelyn and Courtney Castler; one great-granddaughter, Loren Victoria Castler. several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday March 5, 2018 at 11:15AM at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with Father Jeffrey M. L'Arche, M.S. and Father Pascal "Pat"Ianotti concelebrating. Following the mass there will be a drive by the family farm. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery with Military Honors. Calling hours will be held Sunday March 4, 2018 from 2 until 5p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Raymond's memory may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, PO Box 284, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to Peaceful Acres, 3740 Pattersonville- Rynex Corners Road, Pattersonville, NY 12137.