Title
Proclamation honoring Felix Caste for his impact on his community and its citizens.
Body
WHEREAS, Allegheny County has been fortunate enough to have been home to individuals such as Felix Caste who have dedicated their lives to enhancing the quality of life in our community; and
WHEREAS, Felix Caste transcended his humble beginnings on a farm in the southern Italian countryside after his immigration to the United States at the age of eleven by teaching himself the language and customs of his new homeland, together with the crafts of carpentry and building; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Caste employed his tremendous skill and work ethic, as well as his talent for business and his community-oriented vision, to become the pioneer builder and developer in the South Hills from 1925 through 1980, a career that spanned 55 years; and
WHEREAS, Whitehall Borough became the cornerstone of his vision of community development, and was the location he selected as the building site for hundreds of homes, townhouses, office buildings, the Caste Village Shopping Center, the Maiden Bridge apartment buildings, two churches, an elementary school and a fire company; and
WHEREAS, Felix Caste passed away in 1997, but his legacy is still all around us today, and will continue to be felt well into the future; and
WHEREAS, Whitehall Borough is today honoring the vision and lifetime of achievement of Felix Caste, a builder of the community in the truest sense;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize Felix Caste for his impact on this community and its citizens. Mr. Caste's commitment serves as an inspiration to us all and, while we cannot hope to replace his vision, skill, humble demeanor and tireless work, we can honor his memory by commending and emulating the spirit of his dedication.