John Castle’s laugh is hearty and infectious. He has an easy smile and a way about him that puts people at ease.

He’s 86, but seems younger. He’s lived and worked in DeKalb County for decades, helping to shape and build multiple institutions through business, political and philanthropic exploits. But it’s the chain of bank branches once known as Castle Bank for which he may be best known.

“Banking was perfect for me,” said Castle, who lives in Sycamore. “I love people, and I was fortunate to have so many people who were so good at what they did and cared so much about their customers. It was just great to be around the people.”

Castle’s 60-plus years in the banking business will conclude Thursday, when he attends the last of hundreds of bank board meetings – this one as chairman of a local advisory board for the Illinois branches of First National Bank. During his banking career, as well as his work in politics, businesses including printing and newspaper publishing and community nonprofit groups, he has left a lasting mark on the area.

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