Richard ("Dick") Joseph Castelhano, Sr., age 84, of Port Orange FL, and husband of the late Laura Marie Perna Castelhano, passed away Wednesday, Dec 13, 2017 in Daytona Beach. He was born on February 11, 1933 in Larchmont NY, to the late Jose and Isolda (Pearl) Da Costa
Castelhano.

Dick was a US Navy Veteran and proudly served as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Association of Navy Hospital Corpsman. Due to his patriotism and pride regarding his time of service, he served in the American Legion, at posts located in Ridgefield CT and Port Orange FL. For over 20 years, Dick served as Chaplain for the American Legion Post 270 in Port Orange. He made it common practice to go beyond his basic duties, including visiting veterans and their families in various locations, such as the Emery Bennett VA nursing home. He earned a highly respected reputation in this role and was the recipient of frequent requests to assist veterans in need and to participate in their funeral services. He was a strong advocate for Veterans Rights and spoke at the Florida State Capital on relevant issues.

He was a parish member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Port Orange, FL. For more than 20 years, Dick and his late wife Laura, supported at-risk children through the World Vision organization.

Being civic-minded, he was actively involved for many years in Volusia County environmental clean-up efforts, particularly the Rose Bay Water area. He was known as an esteemed member of the Liars Club of Ormond Beach FL. He was a lifelong motorcycle owner. He was an AMCA judge for shows and events, with Triumph motorcycles being his forte. He was highly respected for his knowledge on the subject of British bikes. He won several awards for his entries. Dick was an active member of several motorcycle organizations during his lifetime, including the Sunshine Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and the Daytona BMW Motorcycle Club.

He is survived by his daughters, Lorrene Castelhano with her husband Howard Finlayson, and Lisa MacDougall, his son Richard Joseph Castelhano, Jr. with his wife Grace. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Andrew MacDougall, Laura McGuire, Dominick and Christina Bernarducci, and Lucianna and Sophia Castelhano, as well as two great-grandchildren, Emmanuel and Lily-Marie McGuire-Lent. He leaves behind a brother, Anthony Castelhano with his wife Joyce, a sister Judith Castelhano-Barbella, and sister-in-law Maureen Castelhano, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Raymond Castelhano, his son-in-law Allan MacDougall, and his brother-in-law Nick Barbella. He also leaves behind many true, steadfast friends that were made over a lifetime.

A funeral service will be held at 8:30 am July 6th, 2018 at Lady of Hope RC Church in Port Orange, followed by a 2:00 pm burial service at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. On July 7th, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering (time and location to be announced).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dick's name to the American Legion Post 270; you may mail the donation to 119 Howes Street, Port Orange, FL 32127, Attn: Eddie Clermont, Service Officer; or you may call in a donation to the Post's main phone # (386) 788-6800, or reach Eddie directly at (678) 641-3436.