Alumni Profile: Robert Castaldi Jr. '19
October 2019
Earlier this year, a father celebrated his son’s success on our LinkedIn alumni community. Robert Castaldi Sr. ’98 wrote: “Proud to announce that my son Robert J. Castaldi Jr '19. graduated with high honors in Paramedic Studies. Not only did he accomplish this feat, but he was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, which I was not aware of until I spotted his gold stole [during Commencement]. And on top of all of this, he completed his studies while working several jobs, and helping to raise three small children ages three to 10. Yes, I am one mighty proud fad!” These comments highlight the legacy many families have with Delaware County Community College.
Castaldi Jr. first graduated from the College in 2017 with a degree in general studies before returning to complete his paramedic coursework. His time on campus included helping to transition the former Military Club into the current Student Veterans of Delaware County Community College club, which is now affiliated with Student Veterans of America. In between classes, he frequented the Nazz Mariani Veterans Center in Founders Hall, which provided him with a place to study and to connect with fellow student-veterans. He credits these connections with helping him become a compassionate first responder in both Delaware and Chester counties.
“The connections I made and the people I met not only stood to help me have a diverse network, they gave me an appreciation for the diversity of the college as well as the communities I would be serving as a paramedic,” he says, recommending the paramedic profession to those who want to help their communities in an important, rewarding role. “Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a dynamic career and you need to be flexible and constantly adapt. Simply doing the minimum will leave you a mediocre provider and will limit your opportunities to advance in the future.”
Castaldi Sr. provided a path for his son to follow nearly two decades earlier. He graduated in 1998 with a degree in Paralegal Studies and achieved high honors as a member of PTK, Lambda Epsilon Chi, the Dean’s List and President’s Honor Roll. His internship at the law firm of Francis G. Pillegi, Esq. eventually became a full-time paralegal career. He continued his studies at Widener University, graduating Cum Laude in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies. His education culminated at Widener’s School of Law where he graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2003. Both his education and experience led him to his current role with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Legal Administrative Specialist.
The Castaldis exemplify alumni who serve their communities in selfless ways. Father and son are both proud to say that “The College will provide you with an education that equals the finest universities in our area.”
We congratulate them on their achievements while inviting all legacy alumni to consider a gift to the Alumni Legacy Scholarship. This is an annual award presented to a family member of a graduate who wishes to begin their educational journey at the College. Alumni can support this program by visiting our website dccc.edu/makeagift or contact the Alumni Office for more details.
