Obituary of David Casto

David Cameron Casto, a longtime resident of Montclair, NJ, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 2, at the age of 93, after a prolonged illness.

Born on December 29, 1931, in Wadsworth, Ohio, to two teachers, Cameron and Mabelle, Dave was an avid Boy Scout, earning his Eagle Scout rank before graduating from Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio ('49). He ran cross country and worked on the school newspaper before going on to major in English at Ohio Wesleyan University ('53), where he enjoyed fraternity life and intramural cross country.

After graduation, he reconnected with Joyce Ann Kirkpatrick, a high school acquaintance and future teacher.  They married and moved to Chicago, where Dave attended the University of Chicago Divinity School ('58). The first church he served was in Wilmington, Ohio.  In 1962 he accepted a position with Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA.  By 1967, he transitioned from ministry to a career in marketing and fundraising, joining Ketchum, Inc. Dave moved his family to Montclair, NJ, where he took the position of Associate General Secretary of Church Support at the National Headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He later provided pulpit supply preaching for the Diocese of Newark, filling in for churches in need of a minister.  Dave eventually returned to public fundraising with the United Way, and also worked as a licensed real estate agent.  Dave enjoyed sports and was often seen at Anderson Park enjoying high school lacrosse matches.  During many of his summers, he enjoyed the continuing education and fellowship of the Chataqua Institution.

In 2000, Dave married Doranne O’Hara.  They were active snowbirds between the Montclair area and Estero, Florida for 20+ years, enjoying all of the perks of an active retirement.

Dave was predeceased by his wife, Joyce Kirkpatrick Casto, his eldest son, Kirk, and his sister, Ann Brandli. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Doranne O’Hara Casto, and by his sons, Kevin and David Jr/Chip (Lindsay), his four step-children, Christine, Dan (Annette), John (Mary Ellen) & Justin (Michael), 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 581 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, NJ at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Donor Services

PO Box 22324

New York, NY  10087