Deacon Alphonse Castellana USMC Ret.

Col. Al Castellana, USMC Ret (Alphonse) passed away in Winter Park, Florida on March 15, 2021. Al was born on November 10, 1930 in Waltham, Massachusetts to Josephine and Angelo Castellana. He graduated from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont whereupon he married his high school sweetheart, Catherine (Kay) and entered the Marine Corps in 1952.

He had a storied career in the USMC, retiring after more than 30 years of active service and several combat tours. As a veteran of the Vietnam war he was decorated with the Bronze star and the Purple Heart, received for wounds in action.

He was ordained to the permanent diaconate with the Catholic Church in 1985 and served as an active deacon with the Naval Training Center recruit chapel and then with Sts. Peter and Paul in Winter Park, Florida. He used his God given gifts as an artist to create the Stations of the Cross at Sts Peter and Paul as well as larger than life statues of the patron saints in their Narthex.

A devoted husband, loving and patient father, and compassionate leader, Al is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Catherine, sons Mark and Craig, daughters Amy (Fetzer), Mimi (Wilson) and Mia (Henkel), 2 daughters “in love”, Pamela and Wendy, 3 sons “in love”, Bob, John and Ryan, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren as well as his brother, Joe and sister Theresa Orr. He leaves a legacy of love and leadership and will never be forgotten by any who knew him.

Evening Prayer and visitation will be Thursday, March 25th at 7:00 pm at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5300 Old Howell Branch Rd. in Winter Park, FL with interment in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, March 26 at 10:30 am also at the church. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to Covenanthousefl.org