Francis A. Castano          “former longtime Coudersport, PA dentist”

CENTENNIAL, WYOMING—Francis Anthony Castano of Centennial, Wyoming, formerly of Coudersport, PA, died at the age of 85 on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Hospice of Laramie in Laramie, Wyoming.  

Francis was born March 30, 1938, in Coudersport, PA to Dominic Castano and Angeline (Gorfida) Castano. After graduating from Coudersport High School, Francis went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a DDS at University of Pennsylvania Dental School and an MBA from The Wharton School.   As an undergraduate, Francis was a member of the ATO fraternity and Penn Glee Club. After graduating from Dental School, he served a Pediatric Dental Residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). With the completion of his residency, Francis entered the US Army as a Captain in the role of Pediatric Consultant to the Army in Europe, based in Nuremburg, Germany. Upon his return stateside, he joined the U Penn faculty as a full-time professor of Pediatric Dentistry.

In 1975, Francis returned to his hometown of Coudersport to establish a private practice in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. During this time, he also served as a HeadStart program reviewer and volunteered as a children’s dentist with the Indian Health Service.  Even beyond his commitment to providing good dental care, Francis was dedicated to ensuring all patients felt welcome, understood and respected in his own practice and volunteer clinics, regardless of financial need or condition.

Francis valued conducting himself as a gentleman, making a positive impact on his community and serving others. He was particularly proud to be a co-founder of the Potter Players community theater group. He also sang in Barbershop Quartet, played clarinet in Community Bands and was a member of the Rotary Club. He was also a 4^th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  

Francis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Grant Castano, their children: Suzanne and Matt (Kelly), and grandchildren: Anthony (Gabi), Emma, Samantha, and Molly. He is also survived by his siblings, Teresa (Tom) Kisiel, David Castano and Linda Castano of Coudersport, PA.   

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, May 25, 2024 St. Eulalia Church, 6 Maple Street, Coudersport, PA, with the Very Reverend Leo J. Gallina, as celebrant.  Francis will be buried at Honey Creek Burial Ground, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie, WY  82070 or online at https://hospiceoflaramie.org

Local arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Francis, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.