Frank J. "Cheech" Castellese Sr.

Frank J. “Cheech” Castellese, Sr., 85 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 7, 2022 at Wellspring Lutheran Services in Monroe, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 16, 1937 in Monroe, Cheech was the son of the late John and Jennie (Cacioppo) Castellese. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church where he attended elementary school. He was a 1956 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central where he was a standout athlete in football and track. On October 12, 1957, Cheech married his beloved wife, the former Clara A. Schwartz, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie. Sadly, she preceded him in death on December 18, 2012 after 55 years of marriage. He then married the former, Kim M. Graves-Didario, on May 5, 2016 in Erie, Michigan. Cheech and Kim renewed their vows on August 19, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Cheech was employed as a salesman and distributor for Cain’s Potato Chip Company. He then worked as an insurance agent for Mutual of New York. In his later years he worked for his nephew, Bill Bacarella at Bacarella Funeral Home in Monroe. Coach Cheech, as he was known to many, coached football, track and cross country from 1959 to 1980. He coached CYO football at St. Joseph Elementary School 1959 to 1962 where they won the championship each season. He returned to his alma mater and coached Monroe Catholic Central football; his 1966 freshman team were co-champions, his 1967 freshman team won the championship and were undefeated and unscored upon, his 1968 JV team went 7-1 and were league champions. He also coached CYO football at St. Michael’s. In 1972 and 1973 he was the girls track coach at St. Mary’s Academy. In 1974 and 1975 he headed up a running club at the YMCA. In 1977 he returned to Catholic Central and coached the Varsity track team to 3 winning seasons. In 1980 he coached the Catholic Central Cross Country team to a Huron League Championship and was awarded Coach of The Year. Cheech never had a losing season in his 21 years of coaching and his overall record was 97 - 13. One of his proudest moments was being inducted into the SMCC Hall of Fame in 2011. Cheech was a long time member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church where he was a past president of the Dad’s Club. He was currently a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Cheech always kept himself in shape, he walked several thousand miles over the years and competed in walking races until the age of 66. He enjoyed deer hunting with his son Cheech, Jr. and for many years he hunted with his best friends Larry and Ed Nadeau. He enjoyed going to the horse races and owned two standardbred horses with his friend Ed Harwood, Sr. His other favorite ways to pass the time were trips to the casino, playing cards and attending his grand and great grandchildren’s sporting events. More than anything he loved family. Cheech is survived by his beloved wife Kim, four loving children: Connie F. (Al) Porreca of Temperance, Frank J. Castellese, Jr. of St. Helen, MI, Julie A. (Kevin) Castellese – Kelsey of Monroe, and Michael J. (Carrie) Castellese of Monroe, five cherished grandchildren; Nick (Sue) Castellese, Jeff (Heather) Blanchett, Ashley (Ben) Hansen, Christina (Justin) Hehl, and Anthony (Mirisa) Castellese, seven treasured great grandchildren, his sister, Theresa S. (Anthony R.) Bacarella, Kim’s children: Angela (Ernie) Anderson, Amy (Chad) Winkelman, and Alicia Didario, Kim’s six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife Clara, Cheech was preceded in death by seven siblings: Josephine Germani, Alex Castellese, Ann Didario, Neva Engel, John Castellese, Jr., Mary Pilat, Steve Castellese, and a daughter-in- law Susan. In keeping with Cheech’s wishes cremation has been held. On Monday, October 17, 2022 memorial visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 and followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 am. Fr. David Burgard will be the celebrant and Deacon Mike Stewart will assist. Private inurnment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Erie.

Frank J. "Cheech" Castellese Sr.

June 16, 1937 - October 7, 2022