Patsy D. Castellano

Patsy D. Castellano, 91, of Industry, passed away Monday evening, October 12, 2015 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, surrounded by his loving family.

Born November 8, 1923 in Midland, he was a son of the late Raffaele and Maria (Carano) Castellano and had been a Midland area resident all his life, leaving only after he graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1943, to serve proudly as a Staff Sergeant in the 721rst Ordinance Company in the U. S. Army. During WWII, at the age of 19, he participated in the Philippine Liberation, and other campaigns in New Guinea. Patsy was wounded twice during his time in the service, receiving a number of decorations and citations including the Bronze Arrowhead, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Unit Award. Upon his return to the states, he went to work for Treadwell in Midland, eventually retiring from Crucible Steel, Colt Industries. Patsy was a member of St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church, Midland.

Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Julia Marie (Surmaitis) Castellano, two brothers, Leonard and Anthony “Tony” Castellano, and two sisters, Elvira DeFede and Anita Castellano.

Patsy is survived by a son, Ralph (Carol) Castellano, Hopewell, one daughter, Anita Castellano, Aliquippa, a sister, Helen (Sonny) Smyda, Ohioville, three grandchildren, Patrick Ryan (Kimberly) Castellano, Industry, Erin Marie (Daniel) Spice, Bridgeville, and Kathleen Ann Castellano, Hopewell, and her fiancé, Joshua Testa, and two step-grandchildren, Tarrik and Devan, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild.

Patsy’s family and friends endearingly referred to him as “Papa” as he was known for his wisdom, wonderful cooking, and carpentry skills. He was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 600 Beaver Avenue, Midland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted by Fr. Michael Yaksick, Friday, October 16, 2015 at 10:30 am at St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church in Midland. Interment with full military honors by the Beaver County Special Unit will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.