Nunzio Castellano

Growing up with humble means, his parents, Michael & Mary emigrated from Italy in 1919 to start a new beginning and family in the United States in Brooklyn, NY. Nunzio grew up in a working class family, with his father working in the ice and coal industries and his mother tended to the home. He learned and fostered a deep work ethic by watching both of his parents.

A veteran of the US Army, he enlisted in 1945 at the age of 18. While deployed in Japan, Nunzio worked as a mechanic on the B52's. Upon returning from the service, he noticed a pretty girl through his friend, Frank from the service. Frank's little sister was Olga Raygada, who Nunzio deeply admired. They began dating after some resistance - Nunzio would often go to work each day to walk her home. After almost three years of courtship, they married in 1950 in Brooklyn at St. Ambrose Church (in what they called an "Italian Football-themed wedding").

In 1954 he and Olga decided to move to the suburbs to raise their family in East Northport - awaiting the birth of their second daughter, Sandra. Nunzio worked in the service industry at many well-known country clubs as a maître de in Long Island. For the next several decades, Nunzio worked for the town of Huntington - using his skills of being incredibly handy. He was able to fix and create almost anything, an acquired skill of the last great generation.

Nunzio and Olga had three children: Barbara Lynne, Sandra Lynne, and Nicholas Paul Castellano. They raised their family in East Northport, LI. It was here that they enjoyed the simple things in life, being involved with church, and having the best garden in the whole neighborhood.

After 75 years together and 73 married, Nunzio passed peacefully just shy of his 96th birthday.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Sandra, on March 17, 2020.

Surviving are his wife, Olga; two children: Barbara and Nicholas Castellano; and his granddaughter, Melissa Anna Chiella. He will forever be remembered as a great dad and gramps, a loving husband, dear friend, the kindest soul with a witty sense of humor, a total card shark, and someone who would help anyone in need. His memory will be cherished in our hearts forever.

A memorial Mass will be held for Nunzio at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Toms River, NJ on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 12PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nunzio's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.