Michael Castellano

Native Staten Islander Michael A. Castellano, 84, of Tottenville, a retired heavy equipment operator and loving family man who will be remembered for his kindness, died Friday in Staten Island University Hospital, Princes' Bay.

Mr. Castellano was born and raised in West Brighton. He settled in Tottenville in 1985.

He graduated from McKee High School.

Mr. Castellano worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of Local 15, International Union of Operating Engineers for more than 50 years. He retired in 1995, from De-Bar Contracting in Elm Park.

A skilled craftsman, Mr. Castellano created his own custom cabinetry. He was also a talented electrician and mechanic. He possessed the ability to fix or make anything, his family said.

He loved gardening and grew his own tomatoes.

He was fond of the holidays. On Halloween, he enjoyed giving out candy to local children, relishing in their smiles in exchange for treats received. He also dressed as Santa Claus at Christmas, baking cookies and decorating with hundreds of lights on his tree.

According to family, he received accolades for his holiday decorations.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances; his three sons, Jeffrey, Michael and Joseph; his sister Antoinette Padavano and four grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, with a mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, both in Tottenville. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.

Services: Our Lady Help of Christian's RC Church Monday, October 6, 2014 10:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Sunday, October 5,2014 2-4 & 7-9PM

Cemetery: Resurrection Cemetery (Staten Island)

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Our Lady Help of Christians R.C.Church