Paolo Guastella

Paolo Guastella entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, after a long illness. He was 81. There will be a one day wake at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave., on Friday, March 11, 2016. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Teresa's Church in Castleton Corners, with entombment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island. Mr. Guastella was born in Ragusa, Sicily. At the age of 27, he left his hometown and his tailor shop to come to America to live with his wife, Giovanna (Cataldo) Guastella. They settled in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, and as of late shared their time between Brooklyn and Staten Island to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He was employed for 30 years by the New York City Board of Education as a school custodian, working at South Shore High School, Brooklyn. He retired in 2000 with a surprise retirement party given by his family. He also retained employment as a tailor at various men's clothing stores in Brooklyn. His custom suits were a treasure to all. He enjoyed vacationing with family and friends and was fond of cruising the Caribbean. He was loved by all, and particularly fond of get-togethers and family parties. His happiest moments were being surrounded by his four grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Giovanna Guastella, whom he loved deeply; his two sons, Joseph and Paul; his two daughters-in-law, Phyllis and Jennifer, and four grandchildren, Paul, Isabelle, Luke and Jack. He is also survived by a brother, Giovanni.