Arlene A. Nicastro

Born 11/3/41 in Cleveland, raised in Euclid, built a home and raised a family for over 50

years in Chesterland, moved to Chardon for her last few years. Transitioned 12/29/21 at

Geauga University Hospital at age 80.

Arlene graduated Notre Dame Academy in 1960, then earned her LVN degree and

worked as a surgery nurse at Geauga Hospital. Once her children began school, she

became the nurse at Chester Elementary. Later she worked in the In School

Suspension room at West Geauga and eventually the Exclusion Room at Mayfield,

where she was awarded The Golden Apple Award. She not only provided tutoring and a

safe environment but emotional support for students that needed special attention. In

her spare time she volunteered as Cheerleading Advisor for WGHS and worked the

ticket and snack counter for WGHS home games.

Hosting events was a favorite pastime. She threw fun tailgate parties with homemade

Italian food out of our Winnebago motorhome, spooktacular Halloween parties, and

baked goods and homemade chocolates were gifted year round. Arlene hosted many

charity golf events, ran the Geauga Rec Council Bar-B-Q (Bab-B-Q), volunteered at the

gun club to support women’s gun safety and self defense, hosted Kenyon Kangaroo

Court nights for neighbors, and helped raise money for our schools working Bingo and

A Night at the Horse Races. She also worked the Spaghetti Dinner at the annual Wine

and Cheese Festival and was a patriotic poll worker for many elections.

Arlene loved traveling, from Marble Head, Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst and Florida, to

Cancun, the Caribbean, and Italy. But her favorite was spending January through April

in Huntington Beach, California in a house her son remodeled, to visit Mike, Cheryl and

her grandsons, Christian and Ryan. She treasured the warm daily sunshine, palm trees

and walking downtown to the pier. The grandkids enjoyed many milkshakes at Ruby’s

with their Nana and were stoked to have another fan at their ball games. Arlene hosted

Waffle Offs, Cheesecake Competitions, a ClamBake, and regular weekend cookouts.

Oftentimes, Ohio friends would visit her in Huntington Beach. After returning to Ohio,

Nana sent epic care packages every couple weeks to her grandsons. Locally, she spent

afternoons with her granddaughter Gabriella, and supported her daughter Michelle

(Tigger) and Gabi at many horse shows. Arlene and friends set up a “catering area” for

their equine family at The Great Geauga County Fair. Her favorite horse was Ellie Bellie,

a beautiful and gentle soul, Tigger’s big girl.

Arlene was generous not just with her time, but with her heart. She helped anyone in

need, especially struggling kids. She helped them become confident and successful,

make better choices, and recognize their self worth. She always carried dog treats and

lottery tickets to give out to helpful, kind people. Her smile and gracious demeanor were

contagious, especially with her coworkers, friends, neighbors and family. She was a

supportive, loving mom and fabulous Nana and will be missed dearly.

Arlene is survived by her (ex) husband, Nick (Hector), and children, Cheryl, Michael and

Michelle Nicastro, grandchildren, Christian and Ryan Irwin and Gabriella Keglovic, as

well as many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Debbie and John Nicastro and

their families who shared so much love and laughter with her these last few years.

Predeceased parents John and Sally Skorich, brothers Johnny and Jimmy Skorich,

mother-in-law Polly and sister-in-law Josie Nicastro, and dear friend Kathy Petersen.

Arlene did not want a service. But, if you are so inclined, please make a donation to

your favorite charity in her name.