Frederick J. Castler

Frederick (‘Fred’) James Castler, Jr., 81, of Broadalbin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. He was born on November 28th, 1944 in Amsterdam, the son of Frederick and Victoria (Wachel) Castler. Fred was also known as ‘Butch’ and over more recent decades as ‘Poppy’ by those closest to him. 

Fred is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Ruth (Boyle) Castler, his two sons and daughters-in-law, James and Leyla Castler of Queensbury; Jeffrey and Nicole Castler of Slingerlands; five grandsons, two granddaughters, two great-grandsons as well as in-laws Margaret and Gary Gelvin, six nephews, many cousins, other family members and wonderful friends. 

Upon graduation from Amsterdam High School in 1962 and then HVCC, Fred began a 35-year career as a senior designer in the Gas Turbine division of General Electric in Schenectady. His family and friends referred to him as “the world’s greatest designer” and often said “he could fix anything” – which he often did over a very active 25 years of retirement. 

Although humorously stoic in nature, Fred had many interests over his rich life. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and hiking, especially across the Adirondacks with his family and as a Scout Leader. He enjoyed antiquing, cross-country skiing, football games, history, museums, nature, reading, science, yardwork as well as attending classic car shows and stock car races. He owned several prized Corvettes over his lifetime. 

Fred enjoyed travel visiting almost all of the United States. Travels extended into Canada, Mexico many parts of Europe and North Africa including Turkey, Morocco and even western Russia. His favorite vacation was an RVtrip with his wife and sons across country to sites including Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon. His curiosity, passions and interests live on through his family who were the love and pride of his life

Funeral services will be held privately.

It was Fred's request for all to cherish good times, not dwell in sadness and share great memories.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Broadalbin Library, 10 N. Main St, Broadalbin, NY 12025.