William J. Castner, Sr., a legendary community leader in Toms River, where he helped lead a nationally recognized youth baseball powerhouse that produced several major and league players, died on December 19 after an illness. He was 73.
Castner spent nearly three decades coaching baseball and served on the board of trustees of the onetime international championship Toms River East Little League. He played an integral role in the founding of a fall baseball program and the Toms River Black Sox that extended baseball into the summer.
The senior league field at the Toms River East Little League Complex was named “Castner Field” in 2009 to honor Castner and his wife of over fifty years, Diane, a longtime volunteer. Ten future major league players played on Castner Field.
He served on the governing board of the Atlantic Baseball Conference Collegiate League, the Youth Sports Safety Advisory Board, and the Play for James Foundation board.
“The only thing Bill would ask for Christmas each year were Wawa gift cards for gas money so he and Diane could drive tens of thousands of miles each year watching games all throughout the Garden State in their lawn chairs – often followed by a family meal at a Jersey diner or restaurant,” his family said in a statement.
In addition to coaching for over forty years, Castner was an executive for a global aluminum manufacturing and distribution company.
He is survived by his wife, three children, including Rutgers University Executive Vice President and General Counsel William J. Castner, Jr., and seven grandchildren.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, from noon to 4 PM at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home in Toms River. A celebration of life service will be held from 3:15 to 4 PM. Donations can be made to the Play for James Foundation.
