Peter Alan Castka

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.