John C. Castagna

John C Castagna
John C Castagna, beloved husband of Kay Castagna, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving caregivers on Monday, May 4, 2020, at the age of 93 years. He was born in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania on December 28, 1926, the 5th of six children to Calogero and Nunzia Castagna of Enna, Sicily. His family later moved to Linwood; he attended Marcus Hook schools graduating from Ridley HS in 1944.

John’s character was well captured in his 9th grade yearbook: Most Popular, Best Actor, and Best Dancer, class vice-president, safety patrol, yearbook committee. The yearbook predicted that John would grow to be 6 ft tall and become the world’s most famous jitterbug dancer. Well, dad’s love of dancing lasted a lifetime, as he and Kay danced throughout their years together.

In 1957 John married the love of his life, Catherine “Kay” McNamara, with whom he shared 62 anniversaries. They resided in Brookhaven for over 60 years where they raised the four J-boys. John was an avid golfer and bowled on both the OLC church mixed league and the Tuesday Men’s league. Dad loved his sports and always had a free tip on how to improve your bowling or golfing score. John learned to be a craftsman from his father. He’d say, if you want it done right, you need to “do it yourself”. He loved to tinker in the garage and do projects around the house or help at a friend’s house, but it was never wise to put John and Kay on the same project, since both wanted to be the boss.

For 40 years, John worked as a draftsman at Sun Oil Company in Marcus Hook. John gained many life-long friends through work and church. In retirement, he golfed numerous times a week well into his eighties and enjoyed golfing in Myrtle Beach with family and friends each February. He cherished his Friday lunches with his life-long friends. John was devoted to his extensive family, offering assistance whenever and wherever needed. For all size problems, he and Kay were the trusted “go-to” pair for family, friends and neighbors alike.

He is predeceased by his parents Calogero and Nunzio Russo Castagna, his son James A. Castagna, and his brothers Alberto, Vince and Joseph Castagna, and sister Marianne “Ann” Greene. He is survived by his sons John D. Castagna of Oreland, Joseph R. (Mary) Castagna of The Woodlands, TX, and Jeffrey T. (Lisa) Castagna of Seabrook, TX; his sister Teresa Di Leva of New York, NY (now deceased); and his six grandchildren: Nico, Catherine, Rita, Christine, Paul, and Daniel; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for John’s ashes and his wife Kay will take place on Saturday (January 22, 2022) 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, Linwood, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his name to:
Our Lady of Charity, 231 Upland Rd., Brookhaven, PA, 19015