Losing a Beloved Alumni and Advocate, Dr. Ted Castele, 1928-2015
To the Case Western Reserve Community:
I write with great sorrow to share that the university has lost one its most beloved alumni, Theodore J. Castele. “Dr. Ted,” as he was known to tens of thousands of patients and television viewers, died Sunday; he was 87.
A generous benefactor to Case Western Reserve, Dr. Ted was an even more ardent advocate for the university. He served on our Board of Trustees, twice chaired fundraising campaigns for our medical school, and helped lead our campaign for the Alumni House. As warm and engaging in person as he was on camera, he was someone people always looked forward to seeing—they knew he would leave them with a smile.
A 1951 graduate of Adelbert College, he returned to Western Reserve to earn a medical degree in 1957 and went on to specialize in radiology. After a residency at University Hospitals, he practiced at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, St. John West Shore Hospital, and Lutheran Hospital.
In 1975, Dr. Ted became the first physician in the country to air a regular feature on broadcast television. ABC affiliate WEWS Channel 5 initially planned to air his segment once a week, but Dr. Ted became so popular he began appearing every day. Over the next few decades, Dr. Ted made nearly a billion “video house calls.” He also hosted “Health Exchange” on Channel 5, a series of call-in programs where viewers could get expert answers to medical questions.
After his “retirement,” Dr. Ted continued to contribute to the community. He held leadership roles on boards for local hospital foundations, the American Cancer Society, Providence House and the Boy Scouts of America. He spent so much time assisting our medical school that he even had his own office there for a time, and in 2013 received the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
As committed as Dr. Ted was to the well-being of the community and his alma mater, he always made clear that his top priority was his family. He met his wife, Jean, at a fraternity party on our campus, and was married to her from 1951 until her death last year. Together they had seven children, 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We extend our deepest sympathies to each of them, and also to all of the other friends and colleagues grieving today.
A funeral mass for Theodore J. Castele (ADL '51, MED '57), well known as "Dr. Ted," will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. Angela Merici Church (20970 Lorain Road, Fairview Park). Calling hours are from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at The McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home (25620 Center Ridge Road, Westlake).
We will miss you, Dr. Ted.
Sincerely,
Barbara R. Snyder