December 21, 2011       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Richard J. Castagnier, 65, of 24959 Eastern Blvd., passed away at his residence Wednesday, Dec. 21. 

Born Feb. 20, 1946, in Malone, a son to Ernest and Margaret Finnigan Castagnier, he graduated from Massena High School in 1964.  

After high school, he attended Jefferson Community College, and later transferred to Empire State College where he received his bachelors degree. In 1964, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving until 1968.  

He married Catherine A. Badour on Aug. 27, 1966, in Rapid City, South Dakota. 

After moving back to Watertown, Richard worked for Marine Midland Bank from 1968 to 1976.  He then worked for Samaritan Medical Center as a patient account manager from 1976 to1994. In 1994, he took the position of coordinator of the Child Support Unit at Jefferson County D.S.S., retiring in 2008. 

Mr. Castagnier was a member of the N.S.I.L., the American Legion, and the Elks.  He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church serving on the Vestry, as well as working with the church youth.  

He enjoyed all sports, traveling, golf, reading, spending time in Myrtle Beach, cooking for his family and playing with his grandchildren. 

In 1981, he bowled a 300 game.  He scored two holes-in-one at WillowBrook Golf Course in 2006 and 2009.  

Mr. Castagnier is a member of the Massena High School Football Hall of Fame. 

Besides his wife, Catherine, Richard is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Kimberly S. Castagnier, Watertown, and Jodi M. (David) Reichard, Cicero; three grandchildren, Hannah, Ethan, and Josh Reichard; a sister, Mary J. Mann, Albuquerque, New Mexico; and a brother, Ronald (Alice) Castagnier, Poestenkill, N.Y.  

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. Calling hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.  

Contributions may be made in his name to the Salvation Army, 723 State Street, Watertown, NY 13601. 

Condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com. 






Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.