Donald R. Castine

ATHOL- Donald Robert Castine, 88, of North Orange Road, died peacefully at home on Monday morning, November 20, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born in Gardner on May 26, 1935, he was the son of Frank L. Castine Sr. and Hazel (Chase) Castine and grew up in Athol and attended Athol schools.

Don started working for the family business, Frank L. Castine Moving and Storage, at a young age. He started with work on trucks and eventually became the president and owner. He had worked alongside his father and mother, brothers, and his two daughters. He was proud of the legacy of Castine Movers and the respect the company has earned in the moving industry and in the community over the last 100 years.

On June 28, 1958, Don married Claire (Carney) and they celebrated 65 years of marriage and devotion this year.

Don’s joy came from taking care of his family and his home. He especially loved traveling, fishing, and driving his cars. A true New Englander, summers were filled with days at the pool, barbeques, trips to farmer’s markets, and ice cream with his family. He took his children and grandchildren on trips out West, returning to some of the places he visited as a child. Don and Claire enjoyed trips to Maine and Vermont, and spending the winter months at their home in Grant, Florida.

With a deep community spirit, Don was active as a volunteer and leader in the Athol-Orange Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Camp Caravan Society for Children in Royalston. He was a member of the board of trustees and also served as chair of the board for Athol Memorial Hospital. He was on the board of the Franklin County Trust Bank in Greenfield (later Shawmut Bank), as well as an officer of the Exchange Club in Pittsfield.

Don was a member of the Massachusetts Moving Association along with many other industry associations. He served proudly in the Army National Guard.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Claire Castine of Athol, who was the center of his universe; daughters Kimberly Castine and Cheney Castine, both of Athol; granddaughters, Kerry Chenausky and her husband Stephen Todaro of Belchertown, and Meghan Chenausky and her fiancé Tyler McFarland of Sanford, Maine; great grandson, Vincent Todaro, of Belchertown, and his beloved cat, Bear.

Besides his parents, Don was predeceased by three brothers, Raymond Castine, Frank “Bud” Castine Jr., and Richard Castine.

A calling hour will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 10- 11 a.m. at the Community Church of North Orange and Tully, corner of Main Street and Creamery Hill Road, North Orange.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. at the church following the calling hour.

Interment will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to The Salvation Army of Athol, MA.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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