Freddie Castellano

On August 10, 2024, Freddie Castellano, 60, of Staten Island, NY, passed away at Weill Cornell Medical Center after a brave 5½-year battle with colon cancer. Fred was born in Brooklyn on September 3, 1963, to Rocco (predeceased) and Felicina Castellano. He later moved to Staten Island, where he made his home. Freddie loved the finer things in life and worked hard to achieve them. After his day job, he would take on night shifts at Porky’s. Over the years, he owned several successful businesses, including a landscaping company, a Snapple route, Castellano Construction, a Bar, and Freddie's Gourmet. For many years, Freddie poured his heart and soul into Freddie's Gourmet, a store that was truly his labor of love. Along with his partner Danny, Freddie's wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a community gathering spot where everyone felt like part of the family. His dedication to quality and personal service created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that touched the lives of everyone who walked through the door. Freddie also enjoyed creating social media videos that were sure to bring a smile to your face. Freddie met his wife, Christine, in 2007 at The Marina Café on her birthday. From the moment they met, he told her, "I'm going to marry you," and true to his words, they were married in November 2008. They spent 15 incredible years together, filled with love, fun and excitement. Spending time with family was incredibly important to Fred. He cherished Sunday dinners at his mom's house, especially enjoying her gravy and lasagna during special occasions. Freddie was a man who lived life to the fullest, with a deep love for Aruba, which he considered his second home. For 30 years, he faithfully visited his timeshare every February and anytime he could sneak away. You could always find him relaxing under a hut or screaming down the pool slide. Freddie's magnetic personality and infectious enthusiasm for life drew many to join him on these trips, creating cherished memories with friends and loved ones. Freddie was the nucleus of his friend group, always bringing them together. Every Monday morning, he made sure everyone was invited and welcome at breakfast. Freddie was a staple at Bloomingdale Park. He could always be found playing bocce or entering tournaments with friends. Freddie loved the casino; you can always find him playing a slot machine or two. He also loved playing cards and fishing. Freddie had a remarkable talent for transforming any quiet gathering into a lively celebration with his singing and dancing. His love for making people laugh showed in the crazy hats he wore, always bringing fun and excitement wherever he went. And of course, everyone would agree—Freddie had a million-dollar smile. Freddie was predeceased by his father, Rocco. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine (née Nappa), his mother, Felicina, his brother, Carmine (Gayle), his sister, Maria (Charlie), Sister in law Delilah (Vincent), nieces Juliana (fiancé Nick) and Deanna, nephews Robert, Anthony, Rocco, Nicholas, and Michael, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will forever carry his spirit in their hearts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday at Our Lady Star of the Sea located at 5411 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10312. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 16, 2024, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.scaliahome.com

Freddie Castellano

September 3, 1963 - August 10, 2024