"So sorry for your loss.my thoughts and prayers r with u.u might not remember me but probably remember my aunt minnie doolin and her husband john who lived in west hurley.joan castka was my first kindergarten teacherI."
In loving memory of
Peter Alan Castka
October 9, 1940 - December 26, 2016
Peter Alan Castka, age 76, of Hurley, passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, December 26, 2016. He was born October 9, 1940 in Woodside, Queens, to the late Emil Castka Jr. and Clementine (Havel) Castka. He grew up in the Czech town of Bohemia, New York and graduated from Sayville High School on Long Island, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He continued to play baseball at SUNY New Paltz, where he attained his Masters Degree in Education and Science in 1963. Peter taught Earth Science for 33 dedicated, fulfilling years in the Kingston City School District at J Watson Bailey and Kingston High School. He was an avid bird watcher, gardener, loved the beach and his Golden Retrievers. A great conversationalist, Peter was a life long lover of learning, music, the arts and sports, and a rock for his family. He is survived by his cherished wife of 53 years, Joan (Campagna) Castka; his beloved daughter Hillary Allison (Castka) Gilliland and her husband Adam Gilliland; adored grandson Trevor Michael Gilliland; sister Barbara (Castka) Odegaard; nephew James Zoubantes and his wife Lisa; great nephew Peter Zoubantes and many dear friends. Funeral arrangements, per Peter's wishes, will be private.
Tributes
"Dear Joan and Family, May you keep the warm memories in your heart and they will help the sadness that is there too. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Pat"
"Joan, Our deepest sympathies go out to you, your daughter and family. Chris and Kim"
"I worked with Peter both at JWBailey and KHS. I considered him both a colleague and friend and admired him as both,"
"Farewell Pete, A true professional and all around good guy. I fondly remember the many visits to your room for a healthy dose of sarcasm always served with great wit and humor. It was an honor to have worked with you and a greater honor to call you my friend. Godspeed. Doug Getman"
"May you find comfort in your treasured memories. Our thoughts are with you!"
"Dear Joan & Hillary: We were shocked to hear of Peter's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peter was a good friend and will be missed by all. Sincerely, Al & Stephanie Di Caprio"
"Mr. Caska was one of my favorite teacher when I went to J. Watson Bailey. I only had a few teachers that ever made a everlasting impression on me, and he was one of them. My heart goes out to his family. Rest in Peace Mr. Caska. Kim Gallagher"
"Hillary and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts, love, and prayers to you and your family. May you treasure the memories. Love, Jill Correa"
"So very sorry, Gillilands and Castkas. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers."
"I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Castka. He was my earth science teacher in 1970 or 71, and he made a great impression on me. He had a dry sense of humor and was an excellent role model. (I went on to become a teacher myself.) My condolences to the family."
"Thinking of you and sending our love and prayers at this difficult time."
"Joan and Hillary, So very sorry for your loss. We thought the world of Peter and he will be missed. xxx000"
"Joan and Family. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Fond memories of you and Peter from KHS days. My deepest sympathies. Angie"