Joseph Kastelic

Joseph Ernest Kastelic, M.D., age 97, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025.

The son of immigrants, Joe grew up in the Slovenian neighborhood of Maple Heights, and distinguished himself early with a deep love of learning. After graduating from Maple Heights High School, Joe was granted a full academic scholarship to attend John Carroll University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to receive his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1959.

As a hematologist/oncologist, Dr. Kastelic devoted his professional career caring for children with life-threatening illnesses, such as leukemia and other blood disorders. He practiced for over 30 years at his beloved Akron Children's Hospital.

His career also included academic and leadership roles at St. Luke Hospital in Cleveland, the University of Michigan, and the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine where he was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics. Through his vocation, teaching, and mentorship, he touched countless lives-patients, families, students, and colleagues alike.

Joe found joy in traveling, reading, skiing, singing in the choir at St. Sebastian Church and spending time with his family. Above all, he cherished his roles as husband, father, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Kastelic and Antonia Jordan Kastelic, his siblings Robert Kastelic and Bernadette Kastelic Rudolph, and his former wife Jo Anne King.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Kastelic; his children Kathy (Mike), Kevin (May), Joe (Teresa), Sue, Tim, John (Margaret), and Jeff (Julie); his grandchildren Mike, Tim, Nicholas, Christopher, Jonathan, Katie, Claire, Joey, AnnMarie, Megan, Marissa, Brady, Kathryn, Madelyn, Julien, Lauren, and Ethan; great grandson, Abe, and his brother, Lou Kastelic (Betty Ann), and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Those who met Joe remember his kind and gentle spirit, his selfless humility, and profound intellect. As a devout Catholic, he expressed his deep love of Jesus by attending daily Mass. He encouraged others to receive the Eucharist as often as they could. Joseph served the poor with mission trips to Central America and by contributing to Catholic Social Services. He was a Eucharistic minister to the sick and homebound.

Joe lived a life guided by faith, compassion, and service. His legacy endures in the many lives he healed, taught, and loved.

The family is deeply grateful for the nurses and staff at Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care.

Calling Hours
Friday, December 26, 2025
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m
Hummel Funeral Home - Fairlawn
2800 W. Market Street
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

Funeral Mass
Saturday, December 27, 2025
11:00 a.m.
St. Sebastian Church
476 Mull Avenue
Akron, Ohio 44313

Burial Immediately following the funeral
Holy Cross Cemetery - Akron
100 E. Waterloo Road
Akron, Ohio 44319

A Reception will be held for Family and Friends Immediately Following the Burial.