Dorothy Castagnola

1921 - 2014

Castagnola, Dorothy 01/09/1921 ~ 09/26/2014 SAN DIEGO -- Dorothy Ann Castagnola, beloved wife of 68 years and devoted mother of three sons, passed away September 26, 2014. Dorothy was born January 9, 1921, in San Pedro, Calif., the first of five children of Vito and Pietra Giacalone, natives of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. After moving to San Diego, Dorothy attended Roosevelt Jr. High and San Diego High. During WWII, she worked in the assembly line at Consolidated Aircraft, and on June 30, 1946, she married Andrea (Andy) Castagnola, a tuna fisherman from Little Italy. Dorothy was the matriarch of the family home in Mission Hills, making sure her boys were well educated at Catholic schools and well fed on pasta and "sugu."* Later, Dorothy was a devoted caretaker to her grandchildren. With Andy ever by her side, she presided over countless family gatherings, insisting no one leave hungry. Dorothy was proud, independent-minded and fiercely loyal to family. She loved sharing stories and words of wisdom, and greeted visitors with a bright smile and tight hug. A giant rock of the family is missing with her passing. She is survived by her husband; brother Joe and sister Jackie; her sons and daughters-in-law, Andy and Jan, Vito and Cyndi, and David and Kim; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers Rosario and Matt. A Service is planned for October 4th at noon at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.