John Castagna

John Castagna, 87, born on May 5, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully at home in Parlin, New Jersey, on June 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

John grew up in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, where he learned the values of hard work, loyalty, and family devotion that would guide him throughout his life. After his marriage, he and his beloved wife, Fortunata, made their home in Sheepshead Bay, where they raised their family with pride and care. About 20 years ago, they retired to Parlin, New Jersey, and remained there together, enjoying the comfort of the home they built and the family they cherished.

Before his retirement, John was a successful business owner and proudly owned and operated True Color, a printing company in New York. He was known for his strong work ethic, his determination, and the respect he earned from those who knew him professionally. John approached business with the same steady commitment and integrity that he brought to every other part of his life, and his accomplishments reflected the dedication of a man who took great pride in providing for his family.

John was a man of many interests and simple pleasures, and he embraced life with enthusiasm and spirit. He adored horses and loved watching horse races, finding excitement in every race. He was also a devoted football fan and a huge Minnesota Vikings supporter. When he was watching television, it was always Fox News, football, or the horse races that were playing on the screen. He enjoyed spending time in Atlantic City and found joy in being near the beach, where he always made sure to feed the seagulls. John had a magnetic personality and was truly the life of the party. People were naturally drawn to him, and to know John was to love him. He was loving, generous, and spirited, and he carried those qualities into every relationship he held dear.

Above all else, John was a devoted family man. He was a strong and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who served as the rock of his family. He always made sure his loved ones were cared for and protected, and he took great pride in being there for them in every season of life. He adored his family deeply and was especially crazy for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spoke of his grandchildren every day, and they were truly the apple of his eye, bringing immense joy and meaning to his life. His love for them was constant, and his presence in their lives will be remembered always.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Fortunata (Pagano) Castagna; his loving children, Cherise Gilberto and her husband Mike, John Castagna Jr., and Suzette Castagna and her longtime companion Eddie Smith; his dear siblings, Paulette Caruso and her husband Alfred, and Michelle Keeler; his cherished grandchildren, Michael Gilberto and his wife Tiffany, Anthony Gilberto, and Sabrina Gilberto; his treasured great-grandchildren, Giavonna and Dominic; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank Pagano and his wife Rosemary, Dominick Pagano, and Jean Castagna. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close.  He predeceased by his parents, John and Frances (DeStefano) Castagna, his siblings Vivian, Maryann, Richard, and Carl, and his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward Keeler, and Rose and Bobby Angelo.

John’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday morning, June 20, 2026, from 8:45 to 9:30 AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for John on Saturday morning, June 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07730.  Entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07730.  For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

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