Basil M. Castner, 91, of Sewickley, PA, passed away on February 4, 2019 at his residence.

He was born in Dupont, a son of the late Andrew and Kathryn Harris Castner. He served in the US Marine Corps for 4 years from 1945 to 1949 and was stationed in China after World War II. He graduated from the University of Scranton in 1958 where he attained a B.S. degree and Trenton State College in 1968 and earned his M.A. degree. He was an educator in the Plumsted Township School District in New Egypt, NJ, both as a teacher and a principal from 1958 to 1993. Basil lived in Trenton NJ from 1958 until 2018.

He was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston. He was also a member of the VFW Post 4909 and AMVETS Post 189, both of Dupont; Elks Lodge 2495 and the Moose Lodge in Sarasota FL, where he wintered.

One of his greatest joys was traveling and cruising around the world. He also served as an usher at the Holy Angels Church in Trenton NJ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Check Castner; companion, Claire M. Anchinsko; sister, Yolanda Kridgen and her husband, Joseph and brother, Daniel Castner.

Basil is survived by his brother, Henry Castner and sister, Nadene Choynacki, both of Wilkes-Barre. Also surviving are his nephew and Godson, Joseph Kridgen and his wife, Dr. Pamela Kridgen of Pittsburgh and niece, Kathryn Cheney and her husband, Brett of Lake Orion MI.

The Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 16, 2019, in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church 205 N. Main Street, Pittston, to be celebrated by the Very Rev. Gary J. Mensinger. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Everyone attending is asked to go directly to the church Saturday morning.

Military honors will be conducted by the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street, Pittston (Port Griffith).