Mike Castle, former governor and congressman, remembered for his civility

Former governor, lieutenant governor, congressman and state legislator Michael Castle died at the age of 86 Aug. 14, prompting an outpouring of respect from the elected officials he worked with and others he inspired.

With his kind demeanor, Castle was part of a generation of public servants always available to answer questions, no matter how hard, and he did so with his steady, reasoned approach. 

Former U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, who served with Castle in Congress, and was elected governor shortly after Castle’s nearly two terms, fondly remembered his friend of more than four decades.

"Mike was a proud Republican. I am a lifelong Democrat. But that never got in the way of our friendship, or our work on behalf of Delawareans,” Carper wrote in a statement. “We were united by our shared love for Delaware, and a determination to leave it better than we found it. His legacy is etched into the fabric of our state, from the schools and institutions he championed to the civility and collaboration he modeled every day. But above all, he leaves behind an example of a life well lived in public service and in private kindness.”

The Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus said in a statement that Castle’s decades of public service left an enduring mark on Delaware.

“His leadership, civility and commitment to Delaware will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all who were fortunate to know him,” they wrote.

Gov. Matt Meyer recalled meeting Castle when he visited Meyer’s high school.

“During his time as governor, Mike Castle visited every single school in our state, including mine, where he spoke to my high school class with the same warmth, humility and commitment to public service that defined his career. That moment, among others, demonstrated what a good man he was and how deeply he cared about Delaware’s future,” he wrote in a statement. “Gov. Castle was a leader in a generation of Delawareans who put people before politics, whose bipartisan spirit and dedication to service set a standard to which we all aspire.” 

Castle served as Delaware’s 69th governor from 1985-92. He was lieutenant governor for Pete du Pont from 1981-85. He was elected as the First State’s congressman in 1992, serving in office from 1993-2011.

In true bipartisan fashion reflecting Castle’s career of service, Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola and Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker issued a joint statement honoring Castle.

“Former governor and Congressman Castle was not just a leader in the Delaware Republican Party, but has long been revered as a distinguished statesman by those across the political spectrum,” they wrote. “His legacy of public service embodies the best of what ‘the Delaware Way’ has had to offer our state over the years: responsive leadership, mutual respect and a willingness to collaborate with anyone on behalf of the people of Delaware. He will be sorely missed by many, but his legacy will live on.”