Kenneth Donald Kastle, age 82, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Merilyn Suzanne (Lentz) Kastle; his daughters, Jennifer Goudy (John), Susan Hardy (Stephen); his three grandchildren Emma, Reagan, and Jack. Kenneth was also the stepson of Peggy (O'Neill) Kastle and stepbrother to Joyce and John Batzel.

Kenneth was born in Pottstown to the late Donald and Louise Kastle and raised in Gilbertsville, then later in Boyertown, PA. He was the oldest of three children and is predeceased by his brothers Richard Kastle and Timothy Kastle. Kenneth was involved in Boy Scouts for several years with his father who served as his Scoutmaster. After graduating from Boyertown High School, he became the first member of his family to attend college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in social studies from Pennsylvania State University. He later received a Master of Education degree from Temple University and a Doctor of Education degree from University of Pennsylvania.

Kenneth proudly served six years in the United States Army, Military Police Corps, serving in South Korea, Virginia, and Germany and attained the rank of Captain.

After leaving the military, he accepted his first position as a history teacher at Klinger Middle School in Centennial School District where he met his future wife who was the music teacher at the same school. They later married at St. John's Episcopal in 1972 and had two daughters, Jennifer and Susan.

In 1980, Kenneth became the principal of William Tennent High School, in Warminster, where he remained in that role for nineteen years as a beloved educator and mentor to many. Kenneth's love of education continued after serving as a school administrator when he became Deputy Executive Director for the Middle States Commissions on Secondary Schools from 1999 to 2014, which gave him the opportunity to travel all over the world. Kenneth's passion for education was a huge part of his life and he found immense pride in hearing the success stories of former students.

He was a part of the Southampton community for 32 years.

Kenneth shared the belief of Thomas Jefferson that "one cannot live without books" as he often would be found reading more than two books simultaneously.

He was well known by his family for his corny dad jokes and loved spending time with his three grandchildren, as well as attending their sporting events. Each summer, he looked forward to spending the week down the shore with his wife, daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren He bled blue and white as a Penn State alumnus, would often proudly sport his PSU baseball cap and sweatshirt and would take any chance to blast the marching band playing the school fight song. He was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan and was fortunate to attend games with
his daughters during the 2008 World Series.

More than anything, Kenneth cherished being a husband, father and grandfather. He would do anything for his family and for that they are eternally grateful.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Kirk and Nice Funeral Home, 333 WestCounty Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 at 10am on Saturday February 22, 2025. A memorial service will begin at 11:30, prior to the interment ceremony at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

The Wounded Warriors Project at
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246

or

The Centennial Education Foundation at
https://centennialef.networkforgood.com/projects/238249-ken-kastlememorial-fund