John V. "Castle" Miraglia Sr.

Thinking of you today Uncle John and how your influence lives inside of me. I miss you.

John Miraglia was known to many people by the name, Johnny Castle. To me he was Gramps, and so much more. When I was a little boy, I never understood why people called him Johnny Castle. I thought, since he was such a great carpenter and so good with his hands, people associated his work with the majesty of a castle. That made total sense to a boy that adored his grandfather. After all, he did build me the coolest clubhouse a young boy could ever dream of, and this was no ordinary...

I thought I knew everything there was to know about my father before he came to live with me. Now I know that I didn't. I know that I will never have the character and courage he maintained throughout his illness. He accepeted every stage of deterioration to his body from the Parkinsons disease and loss of sight from Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration with grace and dignity. I'm sure it was his faith in God that sustained him. I was always able to count of him. He never let me down or...

Dad,I will never forget all that you've given me.You are the best daddy in the whole world. I love you a big bunch. Forever in my heart. Love Booboo.

I only had the privledge of knowing John for a short time. He was a kind and careing man and he always made me laugh. I would tell him a joke and he would give me the punch line before I finished, that was funnier than the joke. I am a better peron for having known him. I grew to love him in a very short time. It is easy to know why Sarah was so crazy about him, not only being a father; but a friend. You'r a sweetheart John. Rest in piece. Love Barb Larkin

In memory of “John’s Life”....

That’s life, John’s life...that’s why we are here today
‘Uncle John’ to me, Johnny Castle you say,
And I know he’s gonna miss each of you,
But he’s with Millie, with his love so true.

I said, that’s life, John’s life.... and as sad as it may seem
Know he lived a good life... his jokes made us beam,
So I won’t let this, let this get me down
'Cause this fine good man, he made us all proud.

He was a vintner, an artist, an...

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

I will always remember the Sunday dinner's, homemade wine, and the love that my Uncle John and Aunt Millie gave to us all. We loved them dearly and we will have them in our hearts forever. We will miss you and I know you are at peace with the love of your life. We love you.

Love You All,
Ralph, Nadine, Gabrielle and Justin Manne