Frank Phillip Castellana, Sr.

Frank Phillip Castellana, Sr. of Covington, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Newton Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Mr. Castellana was born March 28, 1932 in Tampa, Fla. to Emanuele and Virginia Castellana. While still a child, his family moved to Atlanta, 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, Mr. Castellana 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, where he founded Frank’s Restaurant.

Later in life, Mr. Castellana branched out and went into business again, starting Best Septic Tank Service. Both businesses are being carried on by his family.

Mr. Castellana 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. Mr. and Mrs. Castellana were active members of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Covington.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Marie Chisnell Castellana of Covington; daughter and son-in-law Vivian and Keith Fuller, Sr. of Covington; son and daughter-in-law Frank and Joan Castellana, Jr. of Newborn; daughter Joanna Jones of Covington; sons, Emanuele Castellana, Michael Castellana, and Chris Castellana, all 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; 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 is to be held Tuesday, May 15, at 11 a.m. 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 & Crematory, 11405 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, GA 30016 is in charge of arrangements.