Cops, Courts and Fire Neighbors

Fundraiser Collects For Family Of Murder Victims

“Even a small donation can make a big difference,” the organizers wrote.


Credit: GoFundMe

An outpouring of community support is flooding in for the young daughter of longtime educator Deborah Castiglia, as a GoFundMe campaign launched in the wake of the Northampton Township killings has nearly reached its goal in just days.

The fundraiser, titled “Support for the family after this horrible and tragic loss,” was created to help Deborah’s daughter following the deaths of Deborah, 53, and her parents, Fred and Judith Castiglia. 

Organizers say the funds will help ensure the child is cared for and supported in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Deborah Castiglia was a teacher in the Centennial School District since 1999. She also lived in Plumstead Township and previously in Bristol Township’s Croydon section. Her death, along with those of her parents, has deeply affected families, students, colleagues and neighbors across the region.

The GoFundMe, organized by JoAnn Rakowski of Northampton Township along with Gail Tesluk and another friend, had raised $29,000 of its goal.

The total came from hundreds of donations, with the largest single contribution being $1,000.

Organizers wrote that the support “means the world during this difficult time” and emphasized that Deborah’s daughter “will not face this tragedy alone.”

“Even a small donation can make a big difference,” the organizers wrote, adding that sharing the fundraiser link is also appreciated by those unable to contribute financially.

The rapid response reflects how strongly the community has rallied around the family, especially in support of a child now facing an unimaginable loss.


About the author

Tony Di Domizio

Tony Di Domizio

Tony has been covering journalism in the region and beyond for a combined 25 years, starting with Montgomery Media in Ft. Washington and finally landing a dream job with The Reporter for six years in Lansdale in 2004. From there, he was hired to run the Lansdale Patch, growing and nurturing it into one of the largest hyperlocal news sites in southeastern Pennsylvania and the Northeastern United States from 2010 to 2014. Tony graduated Kutzown University with a B.A. in English/Professional Writing and Electronic Media. He has been the recipient of numerous first and second place writing awards for his features and breaking news.