Andrew Joseph Castiglione

Andrew J. Castiglione was born and raised in San Diego, California and passed away November 30,2023 at the age of 89. Andrew was born on September 9, 1934 and grew up in Little Italy and the Hillcrest area during the Second World War. He was the middle of 3 children. His mother passed when he was 12 and his father remarried many years later bringing into the world a younger brother.

Andy served in the US Army in the late 1950s and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return he graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelors in business. He met his wife Sue at a beach party and they later married in 1959.

During his young professional sales career at National Cylinder Gas, he had a serendipitous moment that challenged him to start his own business. He opened San Diego Welders Supply in 1970 and thus began his incredible life work. The business enjoyed steady success and as it expanded into other cities and states, it eventually became known as WestAir Gases and Equipment. Andy loved the challenge of the business and he loved his customers and employees. He had an impressive business acumen and developed an unparalleled standard of customer service. Once, when asked if he would change his career given a second chance, he replied, ‘Absolutely not. I would do the same thing all over again’. Andy was proud of his business and proud of the people he served.

Andy loved his family and business but his 3rd love was fishing and hunting. He took expeditions up and down the Americas…fishing in the High Sierras, Alaska, and Argentina, instilling his love for fishing on his son and grandsons. He especially loved Baja California where he traveled and planned epic and memorable trips with his family and friends. In 2004 he began a family tradition of visiting relatives in Sicily and the tradition continues today. We are so grateful for Andy’s heritage and love of family.

Andy will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 64 years, Sue, and their children Steve (m. Janet) Castiglione, Kim Castiglione, 3 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, his 2 sisters and half brother. He was preceded in death by his parents Gaspar and Helen and his stepmother Delia. His memory will be cherished by his extended family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. As we say farewell to Andy Castiglione, let us celebrate the incredible and generous life well lived and the legacy he leaves behind. His influence will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.

Funeral services will be held for Andrew on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel: 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery: 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA 92102. Dinner celebration will follow at Brigantine Portside: 1360 N Harbor Dr. Dan Diego, CA 92101