Obituary of Joseph Castaldo

Joseph Castaldo of Harlem, New York, age 82, reunited with many loved ones in heaven on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.  

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lenore Rastelli Castaldo, their three children:  Christine Castaldo, Joseph Castaldo (Danielle), and Michael Castaldo (Maria), two brothers:  Al Castaldo (Aggie) and Mark Castaldo (Christine), and his nephew, Al Castaldo, Jr. (Chelsea). He was lovingly known as “Poppy” to his four grandchildren:  Jenna, Joey, Olivia, and Tyler Castaldo, who will miss him greatly.  Joe is predeceased by his brother-in-law, Louis Rastelli.

Joe was born on March 7, 1942, to Esther and James Castaldo.  He attended Evander Childs High School in Bronx, New York.  Joe joined the New York City Police Academy in 1974 and served the department with pride for 20 years.  After retiring in 1994, he worked an additional 16 years in the private sector.

In addition to his family, Joe loved horse racing, golf, blackjack, and numerous evenings out with close friends:  Rosemarie and Thomas Oppedisano, Colette and William Pian, and beloved Gloria and Simon Rosenfeld.  He was known by many as “Joey Blue Eyes”, had a big smile, and was quick to make lighthearted jokes or play fun games like “Mr. Wizard” or “Store”.  He enjoyed a good glass of wine, a heaping cone with pistachio ice cream, and taking in the sun on a hot day.  We envy the breakfast among angels, as Joe’s French Toast cannot be beat.  When not at home, Joe could be found with Lenore on the sidelines of many baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, and lacrosse games cheering on their grandchildren.  Loved so very much, by so very many, and missed even more…

Visitation for Joseph will be held at TJ McGowen’s Funeral Home on 71 North Central Highway Garnerville, New York  10923 on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 4:00-8:00 pm.

Joseph’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 15, 2024, 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, John Street Stony Point, New York  10980.  Interment will follow at Mount Repose Cemetery in Haverstraw, New York  10927.

Please join the family in celebrating Joseph’s memory afterwards at Lynch’s on the Green on 200 Thiells Mt. Ivy Road in Thiells, New York  10984.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, or United Hospice - Joe Raso Residence who took special care of him during his final days.