A. J. "Tony" Castriota

Anthony Joseph "Tony" Castriota of Upper St. Clair, PA, passed peacefully in New Port Richey, Florida, at the age of 91.

Tony was born on September 1, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pa. and was the middle of three brothers, "Al" the oldest and "Ernie" the youngest. The legendary three Castriota brothers lived their early years in Brookline and Beechview and all remained life-long South Hills residents as well as best friends.

After graduating from South Hills High School, he served in the Army for two years. Upon his return, he attended the University of Pittsburgh. Soon after, he met and fell in love with the beautiful Mary Lou Mendel from Dormont and they were married in 1952.

Tony had a very successful career of 59 years in the automobile business. Early in his career, he was one of General Motors top salesman nationally, and received many awards. For the last half of his career, he was the proud owner of Castriota Chevrolet on West Liberty Avenue.

Professionally, he was a member of the board of directors of both the Pittsburgh Automobile Trade Association (PATA) and the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA). In 1992, he was a nominee for the TIME Magazine "TIME Dealer of the year".

Beyond his work, Tony was actively involved in many local and national charities including the St. Clair Hospital Foundation.

Near and dear to his heart was his membership in Valley Brook Country Club, where golf was his favorite pastime.

His love of the Catholic faith was evident in his long-time support of St. John Capistran Parish, where he served in various capacities over the years, including the building committee to oversee the construction of the current church.

He is now joined in Heaven with his parents, Antonio and Ermalinda, his sister Laticia, and brothers Alphonse and Mario Ernest.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou, his four children: Thomas (Anita), Cathy (Wayne Mullin), Susan, and John; grandchildren: Beth Mullin (Tony Cameratta), Michael Mullin (Laura Leimkuehler), Bethany Hoag (Kenneth Salmen), Caroline Hoag (Dr. Nithan Bhandarkar), Alex Castriota, Christen Castriota (Josh Pfiffer); great grandchildren: Natalie, Dean and Preston Salmen; Wesley, Mira, and David Mullin; and Scarlett and Anthony Cameratta

A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, March 21, 11:00 am at St. John Capistran Catholic Church, 1610 McMillan Road, Upper St Clair; with immediate burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Peters Township.

On March 9, 2020 The Castriota family has lost a dear Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grand Pop. Anthony J. or A. J. C. passed peacefully in New Port Richey, Florida, halfway through his 92nd year. September 1, 1928 he was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. joining