Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Louis Castagnola Obituary
Norfolk - Louis C. Castagnola of Rockville, Maryland passed away on December 11 in the presence of his loving family.
Mr. Castagnola was born on July 5, 1936 in Raleigh, NC. He graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia in 1954, and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. After graduating, Mr. Castagnola worked as an electrical engineer for NASA. In his twenty-five year career with Hewlett Packard, Mr. Castagnola began as a salesman but became District Manager.
An avid runner, Mr. Castagnola ran the one-mile and two-mile at Virginia Tech. After graduating, he joined the Washington Sports Club and competed in the Boston Marathon five times, finishing fourth in 1967. Mr. Castagnola also competed in the Washington Marathon, the Marine Corp Marathon, and many others. He trained in Alamosa, Colorado for the 1964 Olympics.
Mr. Castagnola loved his family, his neighbors, boating, Virginia Tech, and his many friends at the Galesville marina. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann, his daughter Lynn Valvano and her husband Joe, and his son Louis Craig Castagnola, Jr. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dennis and Michelle Castagnola and Jessica and Jason Valvano, and by his brothers-in-law Doug Harless and his wife Betty Anne; Paul Harless and his wife Eileen Flynn, and by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
An interment service will take place on Tuesday, December 18 at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Tech Monogram Club, 314 West Side Expansion, Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
Please view and sign guestbook at www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louis Castagnola
3 Entries
Gary Silverman
December 17, 2012
I'm very saddened by this news. Lou was my first manager out of college and a father figure of sorts to me (the same age as my father). A great mentor, an inspirational leader that would often become very vocal if he didn't feel you were living up to your potential, and yet when his guard was down you discover that he was a very warm and caring family man at heart. As part of his HP Sales Center Team, I still remember the fun boat trips with him, his wife and dog. My prayers go out to his entire family for such a special person.
Jean & Ed Mitchell
December 17, 2012
Lynn, your loving tribute/eulogy to your father today reminded all present what we will miss. You captured his spirit and character perfectly. It's obvious that Lou and Jo Ann had a very special marriage full of laughter, love, teasing and care for each other. Lou was so proud of you and your brother and would keep us all up-to-date of your ventures and accomplishments when we worked together at HP. I can only imagine his joy and pride in his grandchildren. Special hug, again, to Jo Ann.
June 2012 Monk Rendezvous
John & Marilyn O'Bryan
December 16, 2012
Jo Ann, We have many great memories of wonderful times at Monk Rendezvous together with you and Lou. So sorry we can't attend Lou's services. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Louis Castagnola's name
Memorial Events
for Louis Castagnola
How to support Louis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Louis Castagnola's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
