Obituary of Vito Castellano

Major General Vito Joseph Castellano, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, August 28 2019 at Beacon Rehabilitation Center in Rockaway Park, New York following a lingering illness. 

He was born in Brooklyn on May 21, 1925 to Gaetano “Tom” and Anna (Lococo) Castellano, the eldest of five children.  He attended Brooklyn Tech and was a ham radio operator in high school. In 1942, at age 17, he joined the US Army Air Corps serving in World War II in North Africa and Italy and, after the Allied Victory, with the occupation forces in Vienna, Austria. His many decorations included the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and the British Order of Bath.  His long military career culminated with his appointment in 1975 by Governor Hugh L. Carey as Chief of Staff to the Governor; Commander, New York Army National Guard; and State Director of Civil Defense. Subsequently he served as CEO of manufacturing and insurance companies and with his wife operated a cruise travel agency.

Vito married Dorothy Williams, a farm girl from Ohio, in 1947 with whom he had three children.  After he lost Dorothy to cancer in 1987, he met and married his second soul mate, Mary McGough in 1993.  Together they enjoyed the company of their burgeoning family and many good friends as they cruised the world and enjoyed the beach at Breezy Point.

Vito is survived by his devoted and loving wife Mary; children Thomas (Patricia) Castellano, Linda (Richard) Cantatore and John (Theresa) Castellano; grandchildren Jeffrey (Monica) Castellano, Laura (Jeffrey) Richards, Taryn (Marc) Labgold, Julie (Jon) Francis, Alison (Robert) Zink, Michael Castellano, Jill Castellano, Celia Castellano and Tess Castellano and 13 great grandchildren; siblings Margaret Russo, Sebastian “Tom” Castellano, Ann Vurchio and Anthony Castellano; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our entire family is fortunate to have had Vito for as long as we did. We will treasure his life and love and miss him forever.

Reposing Sunday, September 1 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM and Monday, September 2 from 2 to 5 PM and 7 to 9 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home,3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 3 at St. Thomas More R.C. Church, 204-25 Rockaway Point Blvd., Breezy Point, Queens.

Please see SERVICE INFORMATION for directions to the funeral home and details of services.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Please take advantage of the condolence tab if you are unable to attend or merely wish to express your love and grief over Vito's passing.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Rockaway Point Volunteer Fire Department, 204-26 Rockaway Point Blvd Breezy Point, New York, Call (718) 474-2593, Please CLICK HERE to be directed to their Facebook page.

For Those Wishing to Send Floral Tributes please CLICK HERE.