Obituary of Bernard A. Kasteleba

If there was something Bernie Kasteleba wanted to do in life, he did it. He was as stubborn as a mule. So, you can bet he died on his own terms, his own time and in the hands of his “beautiful bride”, Cathy (Tempalski) Kasteleba on Saturday, August 10, 2024. However, we are surprised that he waited for Patricia Brown and Mary Gawronski (Elizabeth, NJ) to be there. We can only assume it’s their angelic voices. Bernie Kasteleba grew up in a big family in Plains, PA with his parents, 5 brothers & 1 sister. He worked for Plains Township Road Department where he retired in 2014. Throughout the 45 years of his marriage to his wife Cathy, he built a life with her and their two children Kimmy & B.J. Both of whom he was so proud of. He taught them many things but most importantly, how to eat a proper steak. The best chapters in his life began when his daughter Kim and fiancé Chris Platt welcomed his grandson Marshall in 2017 and granddaughter Felicity in 2019. He adored his grand-babies more than anything in the world. He told them personalized stories of “Captain Raccoon and Stinky Underpants”, took them fishing on his boat, and fed them every snack against his daughter’s wishes. Not only was he a good dad and an even better grandpa - he was a great friend, brother, and uncle. So many of Bernie’s relationships have lasted 30 plus years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting , especially when he earned bragging rights in the fishing tournaments. He cooked up some of the best beer battered blue gills and enjoyed having lots of laughs and drinks at the Itlo club. He also enjoyed time well spent in Meshoppen at the cabin where he and his friends and family made the best memories. Bernie Kasteleba was a genuine man. He was always there for those he cared for. He was funny, quick witted, a jack of all trades and as impatient as they come. He said that The Beatles were arguably the best band ever. He was tough. He lived a good life and fought hard these last 3 yrs since his initial prognosis in 2021. He is proceeded in death by his father John Kasteleba and mother Mary Krushnowski Kasteleba who he was eagerly waiting to talk to again, as well as his brothers David and Daniel Kasteleba. We aren’t quite sure how his wife Cathy survived him all these years, but she’s still here. His legacy will carry on through his daughter Kim Kasteleba who has the same heart as him, her fiancé, Chris Platt who he made sure knew how to butcher a deer properly and make his famous jerky recipe, his grandson Marshall who has his eyes and memorable laugh and granddaughter Felicity who has his playful spirit. His son Bernard J. Kasteleba will carry on his tenacity and ability to banter with anyone alongside his girlfriend, Gea. In addition to his immediate family, surviving him are ; his brothers John Kasteleba, Robert Kasteleba and wife Kathi, Joseph Kasteleba and sister Christine Kasteleba, nieces and nephews. Bernie will be greatly missed by many and although we would love to say goodbye one last time, the family will be respecting his wishes to not hold any services. So for now, we’ll see ya later alligator.