Obituary of Tyrell "Terry" J. Castner

Tyrell (Terry) Castner, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 25th, at The Homestead in Penn Yan where he received excellent care from the nurses, aides and staff in Unit 3. Terry was born in Penn Yan on September 28, 1933, the son of the late Earl S. and Elizabeth M. Castner. For many years he was self-employed and did odd jobs throughout the community, and also worked for area farmers where he operated small machinery such as tractors and bulldozers. As many in the community would attest, Terry was a social butterfly who brought a smile to all those he conversed with, and he never had a bad word to say about anyone. He had a natural talent for, and truly enjoyed, playing the piano, organ and accordion. He also held an avid interest in WWI and WWll history, and treasured his photo of four-star general George S. Patton, Jr., which he always kept on display. Many important dates and events of the wars were engrained in his memory. He was a proud 31-year member of the Sons of the American Legion Johnson Costello Post 355 in Penn Yan. During the flood of 1972, he worked alongside the National Guard in the Corning and Painted Post areas assisting those who were caught in the flood waters of Hurricane Agnes which was record setting. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Terry is survived by his brother, James (Faye) Castner. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, Stephen Castner, Kristen (Michael) Hoffman, Linda (Steve) Staples, Sharon (Bob) Langer, Mary (Adrian) Tyndell, Brian (Jane) Castner, Michael (Donna) Castner, and Douglas Castner; his special friend of many years, Joyce Miller; and, a recent acquaintance, his roommate, Gareth Fishbaugh. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Earl Robert (Barb) Castner and Calvin Derwood (Fern) Castner, and his nephew Bernie (Julie) Castner. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation being held on Wednesday, September 1, from 10 AM to 11:30am at the Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home located at 201 East Elm St. in Penn Yan. His funeral will follow at the funeral home at 11:30am. A reception will follow the services at the Penn Yan Moose Lodge, 301 E. Elm St. Burial will be at a later date in the Lakeview Cemetery. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Terry Castner to "The Homestead" 418 N. Main St., Penn Yan, or Keuka Comfort Care Home, 35 Rte. 54 East Lake Rd. Penn Yan. Funeral arrangements by Townsend Wood & Zinger Funeral Home. To share a memory of Terry with his family and friends, please visit townsendwoodzinger.com