Putnam County Historian Denis Castelli Dead at 67
Former Putnam County historian and well-respected fixture in the community Denis Castelli died Saturday morning, leaving countless Putnam residents grieving his death.
Castelli, who lived in North Salem and was a former longtime resident of Brewster, was pronounced dead at Putnam Hospital Center. He was 67-years-old.
Castelli had been the county historian for the past couple of years, but had been involved in community efforts long before he assumed that title. Castelli was a trustee of the Southeast Museum for 19 years and a board member for both the Putnam Land Trust and the Landmark Preservation Society. Additionally, the Vietnam War veteran was a member of the VFW Post #672 in Brewster and was a veterans’ advocate for former congresswoman Nan Hayworth for two years.
When reached Saturday afternoon, local officials were still struggling to deal with the loss of Castelli, whose health had been previously failing.
County Executive MaryEllen Odell said Castelli “embodied Putnam’s heritage everyday in almost everything he did.” Odell noted how loyal, dedicated and generous Castelli was to everyone around him, as well as a loving husband to his wife Athena.
“I have never met a man like Denis Castelli,” she said. “We’ll never see the likes of someone like him again. He was a true gem.”
Southeast councilwoman Lynne Eckardt, who knew Castelli for more than a decade, said he “defined friendship” and said even if you vigorously disagreed with his point of view, you could still get along with him.
“I will miss his common sense, unique sense of humor and his steadfast friendship,” Eckardt said.
Another Southeast councilwoman, Liz Hudak said Castelli was an “all around good guy and a patriot.” She noted how much of an advocate Castelli was for veterans. She also said he provided a wealth of county knowledge.
“He loved making people aware of the rich history of Putnam County,” Hudak said.
Legislator Sam Oliverio, who knew him for more than 20 years, said Castelli “knew more about Putnam County than anybody.” Any time Oliverio needed to know something about the county’s past, he knew to quickly seek Castelli for help.
Oliverio, who was out of town and wasn’t aware of Castelli’s death until reached by The Putnam Examiner, said, “I’m sick to my stomach.”
