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Attilio Castellani Obituary
CASTELLANI, ATTILIO N., "ROCKY", 81, - of Atlantic City, passed away quietly, Sunday, August 31, 2008 at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division. Born in Luzerne, PA., he later became known as "the pride of the coal regions." Rocky served in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in the battle for Iwo Jima. While overseas fighting in the war, he earned the boxing title "Champion of all China and Guam." After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Rocky embarked on a stupendous career as a professional middleweight prize fighter, being awarded Ring Magazine's honor of "Rookie of the Year." Rocky also earned the right to fight for the Middleweight Championship of the World as the number one middleweight contender in 1954. He fought for the Middleweight Title of the World against Carl "Bobo" Olsen. Rocky lost a highly coned split decision, knocking Olsen down in the 3rd round, gaining the respect of the entire international boxing community. Rocky's career as a professional fighter also included notable battles against Sugar "Ray" Robinson, landing Robinson on the canvas for a controversial 8 count. Many scholars of the sport believed Rocky won by the knockout. This bout, as well as his fight with boxing great Gene Fullmer, are constantly featured on ESPN- Classic Fights of the Century. Rocky was inducted into both the NJ and PA Boxing Halls of Fame and was most recently inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame. He retired with a record of 65-13-4 with 16 knockouts. He proceeded to pursue a career as local tavern owner of Rocky Castellani & Sons in Atlantic City and Galloway Township. In addition, Rocky continued to give back to the AC Community and the boxing world by volunteering his time to the AC & Pleasantville PAL, teaching local youth the basics of his sport, known as the "sweet science" and sponsoring local softball, baseball and basketball teams. In his retirement, he served as a judge for the NJ Boxing Commission and enjoyed the time he spent with his loving wife and 10 grandchildren. Rocky Castellani was truly a living legend, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who came in contact with him. He will truly be missed! He is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 58 years, Mary (nee Jugus), his three sons; Deane of Atlantic City, Michael (Chris) of Linwood and David (Terri) of Linwood; his daughter Lisa (Oliver) Knowlton of Denver and his grandchildren; Courtney, Deane, Dante, Cooper, Alexandra, Michael, Connor, Meredith, Emmett and Caroline. The Funeral Mass for Rocky Castellani will be Celebrated 10:00am Thursday, September 4, 2008, at St. Michaels Church, 10 North Mississippi Avenue. Friends may call from 9:00am at the Church. The Rite of Committal will be offered at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, off Rt. 50, in Estell Manor, following Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rocky's name may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, 25 Dolphin Avenue, Building D-ground floor, Northfield, NJ, 08225. Arrangement by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC, AC.
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Memories and Condolences
for Attilio Castellani
Maddi AcesKid
September 23, 2008
DC & Family,
I just heard about Rocky's passing and am sick that I missed the funeral. AC gave me some of the best advice I ever got in my life and saved me financially at times, always willing to accept my meager payments until I was straight again. He had a heart of gold. DC you are in my prayers. I know you have not heard from me in years but I am still kickin and screamin just as Rocky liked. Take care of yourself DC! God bless!
kathleen alber
September 22, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort To Mary, My husband Mike had the pleasure of meeting you & Rocky a few years ago and came home with Rocky's book about his life & autographed!! We are sorry to hear of his passing.His book is a "must read" I have read it more than once over the past few years. God Bless,we know that Rocky walks with the Lord.Mike & Kathie Alber
Dan Gray
September 21, 2008
To Dino and Family:
Rocky was the best! Kind and generous. Will alway remember him.
Rosemary Gannone
September 21, 2008
Dear Dean & Family,
I just saw the thank you notice in the Press. I'm so sorry for your loss.Your husband and father was always so kind to me, my sister and friends when we came to Rocky's from Pittsburgh.We always had so much fun. I am sure he will be sorely missed by all. Rosemary
Gina Vergata Guenther
September 18, 2008
Dean and Family,
I was very sorry to hear of your resent loss of Rocky. I have many pictures including ones of my parents Vic and Roni Vergata. I have many memories of being in ROCKY'S. I am sure he is having a few boxing rounds up above with my Dad. I also have Rocky's book about his life he gave me years ago which he wrote something special to me. I'll never forget him he was a true Uncle to me.
Love,
Gina Vergata Guenther
Michael Buffer
September 11, 2008
To Rocky's Family,
Rocky didn't need a "title" to be recognized as a champion. It was my pleasure to know him as a judge at ringside starting over 25 years ago when I first became a ring announcer. I will always remember him as a handsome and humble gentleman. His legacy as a great fighter during a golden age of middleweights will always be remembered.
Tom Born
September 6, 2008
To the Family
Sorry to hear of Rocky's passing. Many happy memories of being at the bar. I'm sorry I could not get to AC to py my respects.
To Dean.. its been too long.
Kelley Connor
September 6, 2008
Mrs. Castellani, Deane, Michael, Lisa and David, I just learned of Rocky's passing. I wish I could have paid my respects in person. I recently looked at my old photo album with my girls and there are many pictures taken at "Rocky's". He has touched thousands of lives with his kindness and spirit. He will be missed and always remembered. You are all in my prayers....
Janice Zakrzewski
September 5, 2008
Mary, Dean, Michael and Family:
I'm so sad to hear of Rocky's passing. I'm sure you will remember me- I was married to Jimmy Glenn from the Parrot Inn.
I'm sure Jimbo was there to meet the good ole "Rock" at those pearly gates!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep that family together, and cherish all of the wonderful memories you have .
I sure loved your dad. He was a very special soul and heaven is certainly a little brighter with him there. My son Jimmy is 24 years old now and has a son of his own. Would love to hear form you all.
Love,
Janice (Pasola-Glenn)
Ryan & Lori (Flaherty) McHale
September 5, 2008
We just heard of Rocky's passing and are truly saddened by the news. When thinking back to younger years, not many memories don't include Rocky and Deane and "the gang" at Rocky's. He will be missed and we are so sorry for your loss.
Loretta Garth (Ettmueller)
September 4, 2008
I first met Rocky at Rocky's in Galloway. He was such a nice guy and took a polaroid picture of an old friend and I sitting at the bar. I also remember another friend of mine mentioning a book that he had written and I never knew what ever became of that. If the book was published I would love to read it. He was a real legend in my eyes. Such a sweet, sweet man. I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings to his family and friends...
Pamela & Dennis Peterson
September 4, 2008
Dean & Castellani Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. We will always remeber Rocky and will cherish all the great memories. We have boxes of photos and these will always bring a smile to us.
Rocky was like a 2nd dad to us and was always kind and compassionate. He will be missed. May God carry him and hold him close to his heart.
Elaine Stewart
September 4, 2008
To the Castellani Family, I want to express my deepest sympathy. Rocky has been one of my best friends in the past and he was a Man that was always there for people he cared about. You have a wonderful family and couldn't ask for a better Husband, Father or GrandFather. I used to call Rocky my 2nd Father. He touched my life like no one has ever. I wish I could be there today to his services, however I am away at the moment. He is in Heaven now, in Gods Grace.
Love, Elaine Stewart
Betty Gelsleichter
September 4, 2008
To the Castellani Family:
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. I've been having a craving for a "Stewart's" burger lately which always brings back great memories of Rocky, pictures, the Sand Bar, Jimmy Harvey and the Haunted House. It was always nice to see Rocky and his wife on their evening walks by the Bay. He will surely be missed. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Bonnie Leandri
September 4, 2008
Dear Mary and family, I am the daughter of Jimmy and Josie Leandri. Dad was from Luzerne, originally, and we lived in Richland (Buena Vista Township) in Atlantic County. It's been many years since our family spent time with yours, I particularly remember Deane's christening--I was pretty young then myself. My Dad knew Rocky from Luzerne and they remained friends for many years. I always was in awe of the autographed boxing photo of Rocky "To my Friend Jimmy." My sister, Donna (now Anderson) lives in Mays Landing and saw yesterday's paper and I came on line. I now live in Ocean Grove (NJ)--right next to Asbury Park. Still at the shore, just a little farther north, in the central part. I wanted to send my love and sympathy to all of you. Even though many years have passed, I always felt a friendship toward your family. Both Mom and Dad have passed but I know they'd like for me to send my love, which I do. I'm sure all of you children and grandchildren will proudly carry on the Castellani name in Rocky's memory. Mary, if you remember us, please know I still treasure our families' visits together. In sincere sympathy and prayer for your family at this time of loss, on behalf of Donna and myself, I send our love.
Cybele Connor
September 4, 2008
Both my sister and myself have warm memories of "Rocky" and his camera, we have shoe boxes full of pictures from Rocky's. Godspeed Rocky.My prayers are with the Castellani family.
Norman Draper
September 4, 2008
To the Castellani family,
My thoughts and best wishes are with you. Rocky was larger than life and truly will be missed. I am fortunate to have known him and all of you.
Jim Reagan
September 4, 2008
To Mary and Family,
I'm sorry for your loss. Rocky was a good man and friend. I remember sitting at the bar with him in the early evening eating Harry the Hat's sandwiches and in walked a down-and-out ex-boxer to say hello. We all knew they were there for a handout and he never refused them. He always said, "If not for good people looking over him, that could've been him. I still have many photos to remember him.
Sincerely, Jim Reagan
Virginia(jeanie) Sabatini
September 3, 2008
To the Family of Rocky Castellani,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.Rocky was a great guy.
Daniele (Guariglia) Murie
September 3, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Rocky's passing. Please accept my heart felt condolences in this time of sorrow.
meg timson
September 3, 2008
May we all find some comfort in knowing a corner of Heaven is brighter now.
Love,
Meg
Erin Timson
September 3, 2008
Dean and Family,
So sorry to hear about your dad. I have so many stories and learned so many life lessons at ROCKY'S. I still have the polaroids.....
He was a great man and friend to everyone he met.
My sincerest condloences.
JoAnn Morelli
September 3, 2008
Mary....you are in my thoughts and prayers. You probably don't remember me from many years ago. My name is JoAnn Verbalis Morelli living in North Brunswick, NJ now but was born and raised in Luzerne, Pa. Rocky was my hero way back in 1947. I still have the autographed picture he gave me in 1947. The last time I saw Rocky was in 1985 when we stopped at his bar on our way to AC and were hoping that he would be there, and he was! Rocky being gracious as always we had pictures taken with him and I had a paperback book of his (Young Rocky, A True Story of Attillo Rocky Castellani) with me and he autographed it for me at that time. I still have the book and the pictures. I remember seeing you in St. Ann's Church in Luzerne so vividly. I still remember Rocky's home in Luzerne, I believe it was on North Street. My deepest sympathy to your whole family.
Frederick Miller
September 3, 2008
Our prayers are with the whole Castellani family.A long time friend & special guy,with time to be himself with everybody who cared about him & his family.A true friend who will never be forgotten.Thanks for everything you brought to us.Fred & Janet Miller.
Scott Yakita
September 3, 2008
To Rocky's Family,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you. Rocky was one-of-a-kind and a friend. We will always cherish the memories we had with him in his bar.
With Sympathy,
Scott And Carey Yakita
Anna Marie Mele
September 3, 2008
David
My sincerest condolences on your dad's passing. He was a great man and I know how much you loved him.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Tommy Di Pasquale
September 3, 2008
Mike,
I'm truly sorry for the loss of your Pop. I'll say a prayer for him. Take care of Mom and I'll see you Thursday.
James J Copsey
September 3, 2008
Mary, Dean, Michael and Family, My sincere heartfelt condolences to all of you. I know things have not been well for a while but there is never a time that you are prepared to find the loss of a dear dear close friend and absolute legend like Rocky. The legendary status was not only in the "Ring" but was equalled in the "Bars" with his incredible upbeat and no bull personality that made you anxious for your next meeting. The instant burst and rush of memories from Copsey's to the Sand Bar, Rocky's and the West with the likes of Jimmy Harvey and Jim Parsells, etc, etc, etc made time stand still for a while until reality set back in. I'll see you at St Mikes and in the meantime I'm going to review my 300 or so Polaroids and maybe bring a few. He will be loved and missed and never never forgotten.....how could you.........JC
Sharianne Taylor
September 3, 2008
David and Family,
Sorry to hear about Rocky. I enjoyed going to Rocky's East and talking with him. His personallity and his personal attention to his clients were exceptional. Always made you leave with a smile and a desire to go back to see him. I know he will be missed by alot of people. May the Lord comfort you in your time of need.
Sincerly,
Sharianne
Tara Higgins-Wescott
September 3, 2008
To the Castellani family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. The memories that most of us have of your dad and at ROCKYS should comfort you in knowing he was a good man and a very generous soul. I am honored to have met him.
Rest peacefully.
Mark Minter, P.S.M.
September 3, 2008
To the Family and Friends of "Rocky",
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and the loss those whom will never have the opportunity to have met Rocky. I always tell people of the fun times I've had in Rocky's West. Especially when Rocky was there with plenty of film for his camera. Thank You Rocky for you.
My prayers are with you today.
Jeff and Jill Sciore
September 3, 2008
We are sorry for your loss.
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