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John Castagna Obituary
On May 10, 2015 John Mark Castagna, 65, of Kingwood, a great soul, passed away after a year-and-a-half long battle with brain cancer. He was in his home, surrounded by his family. Fittingly, it was Mother's Day, as he played the role of both mother and father to his four girls for many years as a widower and had enough love and grace for both. Then he enlarged his family Brady-Bunch style when he married Vicki and embraced her two daughters and son. He chose the perfect moment to slip away that day—in the midst of sharing stories of his full and rich life, deep love, and contagious laughter.
John was born in New York City and a 1972 graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, serving in the Navy Reserve for 11 years. As a Vice President for Chevron for over a decade--and having worked for them for almost four decades—John extensively traveled the globe to oversee CSAT (Crude Oil Supply and Trading). His ability to run a large key division so important to Chevron's business was only exceeded by his people skills and abilities. His loyalty to his team was surpassed only by their loyalty to him. No matter how complicated or concerning business issues became, John faced them with fairness and compassion. One thing was for certain, if John Castagna was taking care of it, it was done ethically and done right.
John has exemplified what it means to be a man, a leader, and a hero—to his family, to his workplace, to the oil industry, and to society at large. He has proved to the world what it means to live in honor and dignity up to his last dying breath.
John is survived by his wife, Vicki Benson Castagna; his daughters, Jenny Castagna Coronado and her husband, Sam; Laurie Castagna Rohmann and her husband, Jed; Erin Castagna Day and her husband, Mike; and Katie Castagna Mitchell and her husband, Scott; his step children, Lindsay Benson Mucha and her husband, Tim; Brandon Benson, and Ashlie Benson; his mother, Anna Castagna; his sisters Marianne Castagna Greer and her husband, Frank, and Diane Castagna Boyd and her husband, Keith. He was adored by his nine grandchildren: Emily, Matthew, and Elizabeth Coronado; Lilly and Johnny Rohmann; Travis Day; Avery Mitchell; and Lily and Austin Mucha.
John was preceded in death by his first wife Virginia Sweeney Castagna and his father Angelo J Castagna.
Memorial contributions can be made in John's memory to The Marnie Rose Foundation Run for the Rose to benefit MD Anderson brain cancer research. http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/teamcastagna
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Castagna
Stephen Ryder-Smith
May 26, 2015
I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing John for many years in Chevron. I recall with a smile his many visits to the London office. He was charming and engaging - always stopping to say hello and ask after my wife (who used to work at Chevron, years before). John had the rare ability to make you feel valued and special in an instant. He was truly international in his outlook. He will be greatly missed. RIP.
May 21, 2015
Please accept our deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts. May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead.
Wishing you God's peace.
John and Laurie Hoeksema
May 19, 2015
RIP John. Acta non verba.
Tracyann Wright
May 18, 2015
I only met John a couple of times when he attended the London office, but I still remember the kind words he had for me amongst my nerves at being in a meeting with him. I found out after the meeting that he had told my boss, I was going to do great things. Thanks John, although you never knew it, you made a world of difference that day, by simply being you.
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May 16, 2015
Prayers of strength for the Castagna family, at this difficult time, and that you all are blessed and comforted by sweet memories. ~Jayne Phillips
Carol Kollehner
May 15, 2015
John was an amazing husband, father, and papa. His co-workers all thought the world of him. The encouragement he gave the people he worked with is definitely admirable. God bless your family.
Joe & Marianne Geagea
May 15, 2015
Grace and Grit ! John showed us how to live in good and bad times. We celebrate his life, and are fortunate to call him a friend. We honor his memory.
Our sincere condolences to Vicki and everyone in the family.
May 15, 2015
John was a wonderful person to work with. I will never forget that twinkle in his eyes when he smiled. My condolences to the family.
Daria House-Bey
May 15, 2015
During this time there will be many tears. There will be people who don't know what to say and some who can still make you smile. There will be stories about John you've never heard and some you could never hear enough. There will be sorrow, there will be celebration. But, most of all there will be LOVE FOR JOHN.
WITH SYMPATHY AND CARING-- Fred and Sarah Almus (North Carolina)
Peter Endersby
May 15, 2015
John was one of the better souls to have graced this earth. His fair, approachable, affable, even-keeled nature made him a favorite at Chevron, in the industry and, most importantly, at home. So many fond memories for all who knew him.
Peter and Teresa Endersby
Tiburon, Ca
Austen Endersby
Washington DC
May 14, 2015
John was one of the better souls to grace this earth. His fair, approachable, affable, even keeled nature made him a favorite at Chevron, in the industry and, most importantly, at home. So many fond memories for all that knew him.
Peter & Teresa Endersby (Tiburon, Ca)
Austen Endersby (Washington DC)
Jim Shannon
May 14, 2015
So sorry for all the girls, Mr. Castagna was such a great guy and father. I have nothing but the best memories of him and time with their amazing family from my short time in Kingwood. Everyone who knew him or got to know him was better for it. Much love.
May 14, 2015
John was a good man and a good friend. He was the most decent, sincere, honest and helpful person I ever knew in Chevron. I will miss John tremendously; but I have so many good memories of him. Thanks for the good times John. - Scott family.
May 14, 2015
John will always be in our hearts and we'll always cherish our memories with him. Our deepest condolences to the entire family that he loved so much. With all our love & Prayers, Marina & Nansen Saleri
Mark
May 14, 2015
Very sorry for your loss. May the almighty (psalm83:18) bring the family comfort and peace.
Kristin Saleri Abello
May 14, 2015
My deepest condolences. Such a awesome person Mr.Castagna was. He will be missed tremendously here are earth!! Heaven just got that much better with someone as wonderful as John. I only have the fondest memories of Mr.C. God Bless all of the family. .Love, Kristin Saleri Abello
May 14, 2015
Much love to you all - we are thinking of your family and sending you prayers of comfort and peace. Love - The Elliott Family
May 14, 2015
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We have many fond memories with John on our various trips around the world as well as various lunches and dinners over the years. John was a great inspiring man and a leader who helped a lot of us with our careers within Chevron. He was a great friend also. We will miss him. Girish & Nandita Desai (Caracas, Venezuela)
BRUCE ANDERSOHN
May 14, 2015
John was a good man - intelligent and humorous. He lead a group of strong personalities and managed to maintain his sanity and humanity in the process. He will be missed.
May 14, 2015
Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time (Psalm 29:11)
May 14, 2015
John and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. We have many wonderful memories of john. He was an inspiration to all.
Fondly, Lois and George Vance
Rafael Martinez
May 14, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Mr Castagna was a great man and a leader, I will miss him. Rafa Martinez and family.
Alain Honorat
May 14, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy. John was a wonderful man and and a pleasure to work for.
Lisa Hodges
May 14, 2015
I'm praying for your family.
Terry McEntee
May 14, 2015
I just viewed the photo gallery of John's life and what a wonderful tribute to a great Dad, husband, grandfather, and friend. Sorry for your loss and we will be thinking of you today. Terry and Matt McEntee
Beth Laine
May 13, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you . The love shared between Vickie and John was powerful and inspired me. When around them I was always rejuvenated by their spirit and love. This deep love never dies. It lives on everyday through the ones it has powerfully impacted. I am blessed to call them friends. My love and prayers are with my friend!
Chris, Lynne and Cooper Toronyi
May 13, 2015
Mr. C. was a great person. A great Dad. And a great friend. We will miss him greatly. Sorry we can't be there to celebrate his life. Much love.
Ginger and Byron Bertrand
May 13, 2015
Our thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. Now we know that John and Ginny are reunited. Love,
Rhonda Bing
May 13, 2015
I pray for peace,strength and comfort for the Castagna Family through this time. God is always there ~ TRUST HIM COMPLETELY ~ RBing-Chevron
Edward O'Donnell
May 12, 2015
With deepest sympathy and much love. We will keep John and the entire Castagna family in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Ed, Christine and Ciara O'Donnell
Alicia Sorrells
May 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Alicia and Jesse Sorrells
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