Pietro Castellano

In the care of: Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Carrollwood

Pietro “Peter” Castellano passed away on June 27, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Pete was born in Ybor City on March 16, 1928, in Tampa, Florida.Peter had the quintessential Ybor City childhood, raised alongside other families from Sicily, Italy, Cuba, and Spain.

Pete lived his entire life in Tampa. He went to and graduated from Jefferson High School, then the University of Florida. Pete was an avid fan of many sports teams, but none more so than the Florida Gators. Pete was an Army veteran, having served his country during the Korean War. After his service, he came home to Tampa, and married the love of his life, Flora Castellano (Vallesi), to whom he was married for seventy-one (71) years.

Pete was active in many Tampa social clubs and organizations, including the Sons of Italy and the Krewe of Sant’ Yago. He worked as the Laboratory Administrator at St. Joseph’s Hospital for decades before retiring. He was quiet but confident, a good friend and listener, and a kind soul. He loved to cook, and spent much of his time in retirement perfecting hundreds of recipes that now live on through his children, grandchildren, and their families.

Pete, along with his wife Flora, loved his family above all. He is survived by his children, Mary Linda Frierson (Frank) and Nicholas Castellano (Kathleen); his five grandchildren, Ross Frierson (Alexandra), Brett Frierson, Troy Frierson (Jennifer), Nicholas Castellano II (Allie), and Alyssa Perez (Jacob); and his great-grandchildren, Isabella Frierson, Ethan Frierson, Nicholas “Tripp” Castellano III, Adeline Castellano, Emma Frierson, Zoey Perez, Logan Frierson, and a baby Perez to arrive in February 2025.

Pete was an active father, grandfather, and great-grandfather throughout his life. He went to his grandsons’ sports practices and games; taught them how to cook and drive; and helped with their homework after school. He played golf with his son and grandsons into his eighties. Throughout his life, he attended his Flora’s poker games and bowling matches, even though he wasn’t participating, just to support her. He was the kind of man who never let his bride fill her own gas tank. Who didn’t use a lot of words, but always chose meaningful ones. He was loved dearly by his friends and family, and he will be greatly missed.

Peter is preceded in death by his parents, Nicolo and Antonia (Nina) Castellano; his sister Angelina (Nica) Cacciatore and husband Frank; and his wife, Flora Castellano.

Visitation will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, August 10th, from 10am to 11am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am. Private burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which can be made at www.stjude.org.