Michael "Mike" A. Castiglia, 87, of Mendota, passed away peacefully March 16, 2023 at Stonecroft Village in Mendota surrounded by family.

Michael was born August 7, 1935 in Spring Valley, Illinois to Mike and Theresa (Venturelli) Castiglia. He graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School in 1953. He then went to Illinois State University graduating in August, 1957 with a degree in Elementary Education. After that, he attended Northern Illinois University receiving a Master's Degree in Elementary Administration graduating in 1964. He married Lucille "Lucy" Mobley of Blackstone, Illinois on October 20, 1956. They enjoyed 31 years of marriage and had 4 children together. Michael then married Juanita (Bickett) Sondgeroth in 1990. They spent 32 wonderful years together until her unexpected passing in January 2022. Michael began his teaching career with the Mendota Elementary School District 289 in Compton, Illinois in 1957 where he taught third and fourth grade. In 1959 he started teaching eighth grade social studies at Northbrook School. He became principal and assistant to the superintendent at Blackstone & Compton schools from 1968 to 1973. After the Compton school closed in 1973, he continued at Blackstone & Northbrook for 3 years. In 1976, he took over as principal of Lincoln School for 8 years. He became Superintendent of the Mendota Elementary School District in 1984. In 1996 he retired, ending his 39 year career as an educator.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Juanita Sondgeroth Castiglia, his son, Douglas James, his infant daughter, Debra Marie, his daughter, Amy Beth Castiglia McCormick, his stepson, Eric Sondgeroth and his daughter-in-law, Tammy Crawford Castiglia.

He is survived by his son, Tim Castiglia of Mexia, TX; step-daughter, Stephanie (Sondgeroth) teDuits of Coralville, IA; sister, Cheryl (Alan) Shadensack of Hanibal, MO; the mother of his children, Lucy Limberg of Pontiac, IL; daughter-in-law, Yolanda Castiglia of Enfield, CT; step-daughter-in-law, Maria Sondgeroth of Utica, IL. Also, surviving are his grandchildren, Michael (Kim) Castiglia; Anthony Castiglia; Emily (Austin) McCormick Seneca; Rachel Castiglia; Sarah (Will) McCormick Murphy; Elaina Castiglia; Isabelle teDuits; Hunter teDuits; Ethan teDuits; Cody Sondgeroth; Nikolas Hannen; Brooke Garrett; great grandchildren Alexander, Jaina and Logan Castiglia; Wren Murphy and Molly Castiglia.

Mike had many civic duties and accomplishments during his career. Some are listed here: He was named to and listed in the Outstanding Young Men of America book in 1968; Sixty year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Mendota BPOE 1212; long time member of the VFW Auxiliary and Mendota Moose Club. He also received the Illinois Migrant Education Award presented to him for Outstanding Contribution needs of Migrant Children in the State of Illinois June 18, 1992. Michael was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He could always make you laugh and had a gift for making you feel significant. Some of his favorite activities were golfing and fishing and sitting outside on his deck having coffee or a cocktail looking out at the lake. He was very fortunate to be able to spend winters during his retirement in Florida with his wife, Juanita, and the numerous friends they had. Michael lived his life to the fullest and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Please join us at Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota on Monday, March 27, 2023 to celebrate Michael. There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cops4Cancer or the donor's choice.