Frank Phillip Castellana, Sr. of Covington, GA passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Newton Medical Center, following a brief illness. Frank was born March 28, 1932 in Tampa, FL to Emanuele and Virginia Castellana. While still a child, his family moved to Atlanta, GA where he began his lifelong work in the restaurant industry. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, and was stationed in Schwabisch Gmund, West Germany with 35th Field Artillery Group, achieving the rank of Acting Sergeant.
After his Army service, Frank married Marie Chisnell of Atlanta, who became his wife and business partner for the next six decades. With Marie's help, Frank went into business for himself in Atlanta and later moved the family to Covington, GA where he founded Frank's Restaurant. Later in life, Frank branched out and went into business again, starting Best Septic Tank Service. Both businesses are being carried on by his family.
Frank was active for many years in the local community, being instrumental in founding the Stewart Volunteer Fire Department, as well as contributing to the Newton County Partners in Education. Frank and Marie were active members of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Covington.
Frank is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie Chisnell Castellana of Covington, GA; daughter and son-in-law Vivian and Keith Fuller, Sr. of Covington; son and daughter-in-law Frank and Joan Castellana, Jr. of Newborn, GA; daughter Joanna Jones of Covington; sons Emanuele Castellana of Covington, Michael Castellana of Covington, Chris Castellana of Covington; son-in-law Sammy Jones, Sr. of Covington; grandchildren Keith Fuller, Jr., Patrick Fuller, Courtney Castellana, Lauryn Hall, Cristina and Joe Franklin, Lindsay and Robby Loew, Phillip Castellana, Sammy Jones, Jr., Joseph Jones, Jeffrey Jones, Vittoria Castellana; great-grandchildren Mclane Franklin, Stella Franklin; sister and brother-in-law Janie and Bob Olsen of Conyers, GA; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Emanuele Castellana, mother Virginia Castellana-Zeloni, brother Sam Castellana and sister Mary Biscoglia.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Covington, with Father Roberto A. Orellana officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the church reception hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Augustine's Catholic Church or Newton Medical Center.
Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory, 11405 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, GA 30016 (770) 786-7111