Carmine C. Castellano

The Mass of Christian Burial can be viewed online at the St. John Neumann YouTube Channel

Carmine Christopher Castellano passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021 in the presence of his family at age 97 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Angela Castellano; his siblings Josephine Rascona, Lena D’Ambrosia, Charles Castellano, Thomas Castellano, Mary Mautone, Anthony Castellano, and Helen D’Agostino; his grandchildren Evette Ettenger, Jessica Ettenger, and Joseph Castellano. He is survived by the woman he first met as a teenager who was to be his love of this lifetime and beyond, his wife of over 76 years, Mary D’Agostino Castellano; his brother Dominic Castellano (Mary); his children Angela Castellano, M.D. (Robert Ettenger, M.D.), Lynne DeLaurentis (Vincent), June Castellano (Brian Kane) and Anthony Castellano (Ellen); his grandchildren Allison Ettenger (Blake West), Fallon Kane, Laura DeLaurentis, Catherine Zemba (Matthew), Christopher Castellano (Nicole), Br. Stephen Castellano, MIC, Claire DeLaurentis, Paul Castellano, Nicolette Kane, Mary Castellano, and Michael Castellano; his great-grandchildren Luke, Leo, and Eli Zemba; his grandson Joseph’s wife Kate Castellano; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Born and raised in New York City, St. Marks Avenue remained a part of him no matter where he went on to live. As the child of Italian immigrants, he and his siblings grew up in the cultural identity of transplanted Italians with a strong emphasis on family, food, and friendships. A bright youngster, he went on to study at Aviation High but had his continuing formal education cut short by World War II. He was one of the Railsplitters, a division of the 84th Infantry Division which was instrumental in fighting the Battle of the Bulge, a turning point for the Allies in the war. Carmine received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery and contributions to the battle. After the war, he continued with his education at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, studying engineering and then earned a Masters in Business Administration, and course work towards a doctorate. He began his career as an aerospace engineer on Long Island and would work for the United States Naval Training Device Center and Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation (Grumman Aerospace Corporation) where he designed both fighter jets and worked on the lunar module that would successfully land on the moon. He became well known in his field and headed up the Long Island chapter of the national organization the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the world’s largest aerospace technical society. Before they were trendy, he created, wrote, and edited a How To Fix It Series that ranged from appliances to home repairs. He also branched out into educational manuals. After a brief stint in civil engineering, he pivoted to the development of solar and ocean thermal energy efforts led by the United States Department of Energy. He and Mary relocated with their son Tony to Gaithersburg, Maryland. He eventually retired, well into his seventies, but would continue to enjoy attending trade shows and events related to engineering for many more years.

A man of faith and conviction, he was active in parish life at St. John Neumann Parish (SJN) in Gaithersburg for over 40 years, culminating in his achievement of 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He initiated the Bob Brown puppet shows, ran the SJN email prayer chain, ordered Italian-catered dinners, assisted with numerous Knights of Columbus annual yard sales, and cooked at many Spaghetti Dinners over the years.

His greatest joy was his family which delighted him and now serves as his greatest legacy. A proud father and grandfather, he reveled in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Mary were Interviewed by the Catholic Standard Newspaper for their 75th wedding anniversary, and attributed their long marriage as “a gift from God”.

Jubilarian couple of 75 years believes their long marriage is 'a gift from God'

He leaves behind treasured memories such as his magnificent cookie houses at Christmas time which he specially designed for each child’s family every year and his Easter cookie baskets which he expertly created out of cookie dough and filled with treats. He enjoyed food and shared that love with all.

Carmine will be remembered above all for his love for Mary, and the beautiful life God gave them to share together. His enthusiasm for living, his kindness and generosity, touched all his extended family and his friends. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

Friends may call at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 on Thursday, February 4, 2020 from 10:30 to 11:00 am where a Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Germantown, MD.

The Mass of Christian Burial can be viewed online at the St. John Neumann YouTube Channel

In lieu of flowers, commemorative donations may be made in honor of Carmine Castellano to via Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conceptionor by check to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, 3885 Harewood Road, NE, Washington D.C. 20017, or a charity of your choice.