At the funeral Mass, I was a bit surprised when the priest mentioned Rosario! For a moment, I thought I might be at the wrong funeral. I had always known him as Russ. We had shared so many life experiences as we grew closer together as friends, neighbors, husbands, fathers, and brothers in the Lord.

My fondest memories are the stories and discussions we shared as we drove to and from work. We were both educators in the Buffalo Schools: Russ, a counselor at Riverside High School, and I a middle school instructor at Campus West.

There was no lack of experiences to share that made the commute to and from school precious times between two friends and colleagues. Teaching and guiding students always proved good ground for animated talk.

I recall many family times when Mr. C and his family and Mr. T and my family would come together for joint projects, birthdays, and small celebrations in each other’s houses. We thoroughly enjoyed those many occasions as families. Then, there were the countless evenings in the garage on Leawood (decked out by Joann as a comfortable sitting room) where we shared coffee and talked about how God was moving in our lives. Those precious moments are forever etched in my memory — signposts of our growth and yes, even our struggles to nurture a family, faithful to God’s call as parents.

And so, as Russ (Rosario) takes his place among the communion of saints in heaven, I am personally comforted to have a capable intercessor whenever I have the need. He was a person who made my life richer for having known him, fuller by the friendship he so willingly shared, and that wisdom that only comes from a life well lived. God bless you, Russ.

Making Italian cuccidate cookies for Christmas

Eating one of Amani’s chocolate chip cookie

Most of you probably know Russ as a kind and gentle, spiritual man. You might also know that he enjoyed putting 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles together by himself. And once even put together a 2000 piece puzzle.  But I know a little more about him.
Mostly every Friday evening Russ, Joann, Matthew and myself would go out for a fish fry, or pasta meal and then travel to one or the other's home for dessert and to play cards, especially Canasta, dominoes or Sam's famous marble game.
The three of us Matthew Joann and myself would be actively engaged in the competition seeing who was going to out best the others, but Russ would always be quiet, and frequently looked half asleep after a hard day relaxing in the Florida sunshine.
As the game would be coming to a  conclusion, Russ would suddenly become alert like the doormouse at The Madhatter's teaparty and he'd announce with that little mischievous chuckle he had, "I think I just won". And much to our dismay, he had !!!

That is the Russ I love to remember, a gentle, kind mischievous man.  (Pause) Listen, I think I hear him chuckling now.

Joyce Skulicz

I was Russ’s aide. Let me start off by saying he was such a sweetheart I could tell he was a great husband and a great father, a great person all around. He was so funny and he loved his cookies! Chocolate chip to be exact. I remember when I had to bring my daughter a few times and she would sneak up behind his while he was sitting on the couch and scare him and he would say “ouuu look at you, your so cute little one” .  Lol my daughter loved Russ too, he thought small kids were so funny and cute and that was one of the reasons I believed he was an amazing person and an amazing father. Very patient and quiet, he knew when I was there he was either getting a shower or a sweet treat homemade! He would sneak up in the kitchen and scare me while I was baking, he was looking for the goods lol. I believe russ enjoyed my company and I enjoyed his and he was most definitely catered to by me and everyone else around him. I know he’s up in the sky with the angels watching everyone here in this room while he eats a bucket of chocolate chip cookies smiling. Rest in peace Russ, you will be missed ❤️

Amani

Dear Jules, Ed and I want to express our deepest sympathies to you, your son, brother and the rest of your family on the passing of your Dad. We both feel your pain. We pray God sends you love, eases your pain and sorrow and comforts you in every way. I'm glad Chris is there for you. He's a wonderful man who knows exactly the pain you're having. We send love and prayers. Please forgive us for not coming. It was not intentional just deep brain fog. Love you!

OBITUARY

Rosario Castiglia

October 10, 1936 – August 10, 2026

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

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