Alexander J. (Castel) Castellese

Alexander J. (Castel) Castellese, 80 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Born December 26, 1935 in Monroe, Alex was the son of the late Nicolo and Anna (Colucci) Castellese. Alex was a graduate of St. Joseph Elementary School and was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Church. He was a 1953 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central High School. Alex served his country honorably and proudly during the Korean War. He served in the United States Army from March 17, 1954 to March 16, 1956. On July 22, 1958 Alex married his beloved wife, the former Beverly J. Vetter, in East Tawas, Michigan. Alex co owned and operated Nick Castel’s Supermarket from 1953 until they sold the store in 1989. He then worked as a part time produce clerk at Meijer in Monroe until his retirement in 2003. Alex was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Monroe, Knights of Columbus #1266, where at one time he coached their softball team. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #884 and a former member of the Monroe County Rod and Gun Club. Alex was known for the wonderful Italian sausage he made at the store and continued to enjoy making many years after retirement. For many years, Alex helped with the Verona Fathers Festival where he was in charge of the chicken dinner. Alex enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and going to the Knights of Columbus every morning to have coffee and play cards. Most of all Alex enjoyed time spent with family, especially his grandchildren, where he spent many hours enjoying their sporting events and other activities. Alex is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Beverly, four loving daughters: Pamela A. (John) Harwood of Grosse Ile, MI, Mary F. (Mark) Backonen of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Ann K. (Kent) MacIver and Tracie S. (Jack) Giarmo both of Monroe, 12 cherished grandchildren: Stephanie (Graham) Korneffel, Joseph, Michael, Sarah, and Luke Harwood, Makenzie, Payton, and Delaney Backonen, Adam (Jessica) MacIver and Amanda MacIver, and Anthony and Carlie Giarmo, three treasured great grandchildren: Kohler and Hendrik Korneffel, and Odin Harwood, three sisters: Josephine Vokes and Elizabeth Basile of Monroe and Margaret (Joseph) Carollo of Largo, FL. In addition to his parents Alex was preceded in death by a great grandson Warren Korneffel and a sister Mary Barbara Mongeon. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161 where a Scripture Service will be held at 6:00 PM. On Friday, August 19, 2016 he will lie in state at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church from 9:00 AM until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 10:00 AM. Fr. Philip Ching, pastor of the church will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to SMCC High School or St. Michael The Archangel Parish.

Alexander J. (Castel) Castellese

December 26, 1935 - August 13, 2016