Frank J. Casatelli, Jr.

Frank J. Casatelli, Jr., 81, of East Greenbush, New York, sadly passed away Thursday, September 9, 2025 after a long illness surrounded by family and friends. Frank is the beloved son of the late, Frank J. Casatelli, Sr. and Nancy (Zappala) Casatelli. He is survived by his heartbroken sisters, Jeanne Casatelli, Gloria Busold, Carol (Anthony) Vivenzio, and Nancy (Armand) Girolami.

He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews, David (Maria) Girolami, Denise (Timothy) Kuhn, Jeffrey J. Girolami, Jennifer (Joyce) Barlin-Romano, Christopher (Rany) Busold.

Frank was the adored great uncle of Jake Merriman, Zachary (Carina) and Nicolas (Sherri) Kuhn, Vivian and Ryan Busold, Jaiden, Jordan, and Jensen Barlin-Romano, Nolan and Murphy Kuhn.

Frank was pre-deceased by his aunts and uncles, Phyllis (Zappala) Oryell, Michael Casatelli, Phyllis and Anthony Papa.

Frank was truly beloved and admired by his family, maternal Oryell cousins, William (Patti), Haley and Maxine Oryell, Ann (Rita), Jacob and Olivia Morris-Oryell, James Oryell, Robert (David) Oryell, and Joseph Oryell. Paternal cousins, Ernest, Anthony, and Frank Papa.

He leaves his closest, most devoted friends, Thomas Kernan, Robert (Barbara) Paju, Darrin Flynn, William Hafner, Lawrence Corbett, Cathryn Corlew, Thomas Boyle, the late Gary Doyle.

He enjoyed spending time with his “favorite” brothers-in-law, Armand & Tony.

Frank was charismatic, charming, had a terrific sense of humor, and was liked by everyone who had the privilege to meet him. He was well read, and extremely knowledgeable of American and World History alike, had a deep passion for politics, classic cars, cooking, classical music, boating, tropical fish, and his beloved felines, Cinder, Silver, Adagio, and Aria.

Being the eldest, Frank greatly influenced his younger siblings in the ‘60’s upon returning home from college. He shared exciting music from Janis Joplin, Scott McKensie, Frank Zappa, ABBA, Jesus Christ Superstar, Elton John, and much more. Frank enlightened us to a whole new world of liberal politics, of diversity and acceptance. He encouraged us to think, to question, and tolerate the opinions and beliefs of others. He was a kind, gentle spirit who believed everyone should have the right to live and let live.

Frank enjoyed the fine arts, and was a talented oil painter. He played the concertina, accordion, and piano, and could belt out Frank Sinatra tunes like no other.

Frank was a generous-to-a-fault kind of guy, giving of his time, talents, and resources. He was intelligent and affectionately known as “Macgyver” by many, as he was able to repair virtually any machine, appliance, player piano and juke box, “jerry-rigging” anything he needed to with whatever was there, sometimes it was as if appearing out of thin air!

Frank was not the life of the party, he was the party and we promise to celebrate, sing, and dance with you, Frankie, when we meet again.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer, NY, followed by a remembrance service at 6 PM. All are welcome.