Arthur Castellucci

Arthur Castellucci, born November 5, 1932, in Bangor, Pennsylvania, passed away in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on March 24, 2026.

He was one of twelve children born to Lucia (Falcone) Castellucci and Leonardo Castellucci, Italian immigrants who settled in the Lehigh Valley. Arthur grew up in the Bangor and Roseto area, where he developed the strong work ethic, discipline, and sense of responsibility that would define his life. He graduated from Bangor High School Class of 1950 and worked for several years before college to save for his education.

He financed his college education entirely on his own, sustaining full-time campus employment throughout all four years while excelling both academically and athletically. He approached every opportunity with humility and determination, never considering honest work beneath him as he built his future.

Arthur earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science and Geography from Kutztown State Teachers College in 1958 and later completed a Master’s degree in Library Science from Syracuse University. He was inducted into Alpha Beta Alpha, the National Honor Society for Library Science.

He maintained a lifelong and deeply meaningful connection to Kutztown University Alumni Association and his continued support of the Golden Bears football program. Kutztown remained a source of great pride throughout his life.

At Kutztown, he distinguished himself as a student-athlete and campus leader. Arthur held rushing and total offense records for decades. He served as team captain for three seasons, demonstrating consistent leadership throughout his collegiate career. He transitioned from quarterback to halfback and was named team Most Valuable Player his senior season. He also earned selection to the All-Pennsylvania team and graduated in 1958. He was later inducted as a member of the inaugural Kutztown Football Hall of Fame class in 1977.

He also gave of his time as a coach and mentor to young athletes, remaining actively involved in supporting student development beyond the classroom and playing field.

Arthur dedicated his professional life to education, serving in multiple school districts over several decades, including Towanda, Haverford Township, Norristown, Allentown, and West Chester. He also taught at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) and Villanova University. During his years at Villanova University, one of the many students who passed through his classroom would later become Pope Leo XIV. He also taught American students abroad with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Darmstadt, Germany.

Beyond his professional life, Arthur remained deeply committed to coaching, community involvement, and charitable efforts. He devoted his time to mentoring young people, supporting Little League Baseball, and contributing to organizations including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Catholic Charities.

Throughout his life, Arthur was known not only for his knowledge, but for the deep and lasting relationships he formed with students, colleagues, peers, teammates, and friends.

He was the devoted and loving husband of Norma Ellis Castellucci (formerly of Cedartown , GA) for 60 years. They met on the very first night Norma arrived at the Air Force base in Darmstadt, Germany. From that day forward, they were inseparable, having found the love of their lives in one another.

He was the beloved father of Concetta Castellucci Cropper (Ed) of Lancaster, PA.

He was the cherished “Pop” to Nicholas Arthur Cropper and Christina Rose Cropper, who shared an exceptionally close, loving, and enduring bond with him, bringing him tremendous joy, pride, and happiness throughout his life.

Arthur is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Emily (Tim) and Michael (Moira), and their families.

He is also survived by his sister, Concetta Reto of Pen Argyl, PA (the late Roger Reto), and his brother, Leonard Castellucci (Virginia) of Roseto, PA. He was among the final three surviving of twelve siblings.

He is further survived by more than 35 nieces and nephews (the children of his siblings), along with their children and grandchildren, spanning five generations.

He is further survived by his special nephew, Dr. Steven Reto (Kathy) of West Chester, PA, with whom he shared a close and enduring bond throughout the years.

Arthur’s life was defined by devotion to his family, loyalty to his friends, and enduring relationships throughout his lifetime. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his character, humility, and the love and respect he showed to others.