Services are pending for former Delaware U.S. Rep. and Gov. Mike Castle, who died midday Aug. 14 at the Country House, a Greenville retirement home where he was living with his wife, Jane. He was 86.
Castle, a moderate Republican, has been hailed for taking a bipartisan approach during his four-decade career as an elected official for Delaware.
He served nine terms in Congress and was also Delaware's governor, lieutenant governor and a state legislator.
A commitment to Delaware: For decades, he was Delaware's most popular politician. Mike Castle dies at age 86
Castle, a Wilmington native who had an easy-going nature, was once an owner of the popular Bottle & Cork bar in Dewey Beach.
Gov. Matt Meyer has ordered flags at all state-owned buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Aug. 21 in honor of Castle.
Known for his civility and commitment to Delaware, Castle was hoping to win the Delaware Senate seat, formerly held by Joe Biden for 36 years, when Biden vacated it to become vice president to President Barack Obama in 2009. (Former Biden aide Ted Kaufman was appointed to fill Biden's vacancy by then-Gov. Ruth Ann Minner.)
By then, Castle had already served nearly 18 years in Congress, holding Delaware's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993.
However, in September 2010, Castle was dealt a stunning defeat in Delaware's Republican Senate primary to Tea Party candidate Christine O'Donnell, best known for an where she notoriously declared, "I am not a witch."
Castle, who had never lost an election in Delaware, was "hurt and stunned" by the loss. He never held office again. O'Donnell was defeated in the general election by current Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, then New Castle County executive.
Coons said he knew Castle for over 40 years – first as a volunteer on his campaign, then working together as county executive and congressman, and eventually running against him.
He said Castle would share his knowledge and expertise over the years. Coons called him "kind, genuine, civically minded, responsible – an old-fashioned Republican."
Here's what Delawareans had to say about Castle:
Former President Joe Biden
"There’s one word that comes to mind when I think of Mike Castle: dignity. Riding the train back and forth together to Washington for nearly two decades, I got to know Mike as a thoughtful and kind man — a colleague who became a true friend. Mike was defined by his integrity, and for that reason, you couldn’t find another member of Congress who would say a bad word about him. He was respected in Washington, and beloved by his constituents. Mike had a backbone made of steel, and when faced with that existential question politicians sometimes face – what are you willing to lose an election over? – Mike stood on principle. He took votes because he knew they were right, not because they were popular. Mike will go down in the history of our state and country as an honorable and effective public servant. A man of his word who time and again put country over self. Someone we could all be proud to have as our Governor and Representative. All of us in Delaware owe Mike a debt of gratitude. Jill and I and the entire Biden family are deeply saddened by Mike’s passing. Our hearts go out to Jane, the Castle family, and the dozens of women and men who worked alongside Mike to serve the people of our state."
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer
"Delaware mourns the passing of a remarkable public servant, Mike Castle. As governor and our state’s longest-serving U.S. Representative, he embodied what it means to lead with principle, decency, and dedication.
"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 expanded access to cancer and diabetes screenings, brought health care directly to our schools, and developed community health-care centers that continue to serve Delawareans today. He strengthened our public schools and led with fiscal discipline, keeping Delaware on a sound financial foundation for years to come.
"With humor and grit, his work kept Delawareans’ interests at heart and earned him widespread respect lasting far beyond partisan lines.
"Governor 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.
"Lauren and I extend our deepest condolences to Jane and the whole family and all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.”
Former Delaware Sen. and Gov. Tom Carper
"Mike and I shared a journey that spanned more than four decades ‒ sometimes as colleagues in Dover and Washington D.C., sometimes as opponents on the basketball court ‒ but always as partners in service to the people of the First State. From his early days in the State House to his years as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and then our Congressman, Mike Castle embodied what public service is supposed to look like: thoughtful, principled, and always grounded in doing what was right - not just what was easy, or what was popular - but what was right.
"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. 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.
"Martha and I mourn the loss of our dear friend. Our hearts go out to Jane and to their family and friends. Let’s carry forward the values he held dear: integrity, humility, bipartisanship and a belief that government, at its best, can be a force for great good.”
Sen. Chris Coons
"When I was a student in high school, a teacher once asked me if I had any interest in politics. She introduced me to the man whose election campaign would be the first for which I would ever volunteer. That man was Mike Castle. Getting to know Mike then, he was kind, genuine, civically minded, responsible – an old-fashioned Republican.
"Over the arc of the more than 40 years that I knew him – I met him when I was 16 – he repeatedly provided his knowledge and expertise to help me along my own way. When he was a congressman and I was county executive, we worked together often, including some important investments into the C&D Canal greenway. When we eventually ran against each other, I did my absolute best to run a respectful, positive, policy-based campaign. As we campaigned against each other, I only liked him more. There was an editorial written about how civilized we were. I am prouder of that column than almost anything.
"I was able to enjoy visiting with him and getting advice from him several times in my first few years in the Senate. Actually continuing the work he’d started on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – a disease that claimed the lives of Mike’s brother and sister – was another goal I’ll cherish from my time in public office. He was an incredible man, and Annie and I are praying for Jane and for the many Delawareans touched by his life and friendship."
Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a true Delaware political giant, Mike Castle. Governor Castle was a fixture in Delaware politics for nearly half a century. As one of his hundreds of thousands of constituents, I always admired how gracefully he led. From his focus on educating our children and maintaining fiscal responsibility to his commitment to protecting our environment, his presence throughout our state will be missed.
“He served the First State selflessly, with a pragmatic approach and relentless optimism. One of my fondest memories of Mike was with my late dad, Ted Blunt. Not only did they share a love of public service, but they also shared a love of basketball. They joked about playing basketball on the same team and against each other on several occasions over the years. His steady hand and attunement to the needs of his constituents made him unique — a quality that will be missed in politically challenging times such as these. His legacy will surely live on. I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Jane, his family and loved ones, and all who crossed his path. May he rest in eternal peace."
U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride
"Mike Castle was a giant in Delaware politics – having served in the state House and Senate, as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and in the very seat I now hold in the U.S. House.
"He was a man of decency who understood the importance of respect and collaboration in public service, always working for the common good of our state of neighbors. Mike helped build the Delaware of today and, in Congress, expanded investment in research, the arts, and small businesses. He worked across the aisle often and courageously.
"My deepest sympathies are with Jane and all his loved ones as they grieve this great loss. Delawareans are indebted to his family for his lifetime of service to our state."
Wilmington Mayor, former Gov. and U.S. Rep. John Carney
“Tracey and I are saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor Mike Castle, a wonderful friend, public servant, and an individual whose impact is still evident in Delaware today. A consummate public servant, he started his career in the Delaware General Assembly, representing Wilmington.
"Mike believed the role of government is to transform the lives of all people and communities. This belief was evident during his time as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and Congressman. In all of his roles, he was the embodiment of bipartisanship and a balanced approach to public policy. He believed that society benefited from different perspectives and personalities. He dedicated his service to improving education for all students, protecting the environment, and preserving Delaware’s precious farmland and open space. In Congress, he worked in a bipartisan way to transform education for people with disabilities and to make investments in early education and Head Start. He understood that when our education system is strong, so are our families, neighborhoods, and ultimately our country.
"Mike has been described as 'a gentleman in politics and the last of the great Delaware moderates.' He was always kind and generous with his time. This was especially true for me as I adjusted to my new role as a member of Congress. I considered it a privilege to succeed Congressman Castle after his 18 years in the U.S. House, where he was admired and appreciated on both sides of the aisle. "Today is a sad day in Delaware; we have lost a public servant who did so much for our state. "Tracey and I extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Jane, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Former Gov. Jack Markell
"There is a reason Mike Castle was one of the most popular leaders in Delaware's history. He focused on solving problems and on being a public servant for all Delawareans, including those who didn't vote for him.
"He did his homework. In my early days as Governor, I asked Congressman Castle to support a bill in Washington that would promote renewable energy solutions. He called me back a week later and said he had read all 1400 pages. And he said, "My party won't be happy with me but supporting this bill is the right thing for Delaware and for the country." He was one of a handful of Republicans to support the bill.
"Mike Castle built a career on doing the right thing, listening to all sides and treating everybody with respect. We need more leaders like him across the United States today. "
Chairman of Delaware Republican Party Gene Truono
"Delaware has lost a great Republican, a great Delawarean, and a great American.
"Michael Castle devoted his life to public service, serving our state and country with integrity, moderation, and an unwavering commitment to the people he represented. From the State House in Dover to the halls of Congress, Mike Castle was known for his thoughtful leadership, bipartisan spirit, and dedication to improving education, strengthening the economy, and protecting the values that make Delaware strong.
"His legacy as a great Republican leader is a proud part of our state’s history, and his example will continue to inspire us for years to come.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched."
Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay
My heart is with the family, friends, and the First State community, as we mourn the loss of the honorable Mike Castle - a lifelong dedicated public servant. In each of his roles, he centered the needs of Delawareans.
It was an honor to be with Mike Castle at his award ceremony from the Delaware Bar Association for his 50 years of service. His legacy of service, hard work and care for others will be forever cherished.
As a fellow attorney and Lt. Governor, his example has demonstrated what it means to love Delaware in all that you do. My husband Olin and I are sending his family and friends our deep condolences."
Delaware State University statement
“The Delaware State University community is saddened by Gov. Michael N. Castle's passing and extends heartfelt condolences to his family.
“During his 40 years of elected public service and beyond, Gov. Castle was a friend and supporter of DSU. After his elected public service years, he was appointed in 2012 by Gov. Jack Markell to become a member of the DSU Board of Trustees. A two-term Board member (2012-2024), Gov. Castle was an engaged and inquisitive member and served on the Board’s Executive, Operations, and Governance committees. Gov. Castle was an active University Trustee until health reasons curtailed his participation on the Board.
“Delaware State University joins its fellow residents of the First State in mourning the passing of Gov. Michael N. Castle and also in celebrating his dedicated career of elected public service leadership.”
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Mike Castle's legacy is 'how deeply he cared about Delaware’s future'
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