Alfonso William Castagno

1936 - 2018

Alfonso William Castagno

Newark - Alfonso William Castagno, 82, passed away at home with his family by his side on November 24, 2018, after a courageous fight with cancer. He leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Theresa "Terri" Castagno. Anyone who knew Al would say that he loved his family more than anything, was committed to being a friend to many, especially his union brothers and their families, and was passionate about his service to the community. Al was a leader in everything he did, brought out the best in those around him, and was the guy who could bring people together to make great things happen. He had an incredible sense of humor up to his last hour that endeared his closest relationships.

Al was born on May 15, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA, to William & Elsie Castagno. They moved to Wilmington, and finally N. Clayton Street at a young age. He graduated in 1954 from Wilmington High School and was an accomplished violinist, County Champion in the Mile, and had an interest in many subjects including construction, football - especially the Dallas Cowboys- classical and contemporary music and any sport or activity his children and grandchildren participated in. Together with his wife, Terri, they were coaches at Holy Angels Track and Cross Country. Al was a founding member of Holy Family Parish, where he was often the first to volunteer for various fund raising projects, especially the carnivals and festivals. He was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and helped to raise service dogs for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Al joined the Postal Service a few years after high school. He made a huge difference with his contributions to the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) for decades up to the time of his death. Al was a 50-year Gold Card Lifetime member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 191 Wilmington, Delaware. He held many positions in the Union serving as a Shop Steward, a Trustee, Vice-President and President of the Branch and spent the last 30 years as the Branch Treasurer up until his death. Al was also the President of the Delaware State Association of Letter Carriers, a position he held for the last 25 years. During his time as State President of the DSALC, he worked closely with Delaware's Senators and Congressional Representative on a wide variety of Postal Service issues at the national level. Al fought tirelessly for the Letter Carriers he represented at both local and state levels. Al's leadership, knowledge, and wisdom will be surely missed by his brothers and sisters of Branch 191 and all the Letter Carrier Unions of the First State, Branch 191, Branch 906, Branch 1977 and Branch 4015. Al's favorite and most special project was organizing the NALC/ USPS annual Food Drive that benefited the DE Food Bank. He coordinated with the Food Bank, the Postal Service and all the Local branches of the State of Delaware to conduct the largest one-day food drive in the State. Al also served on the Delaware State AFL-CIO Executive board and he believed in the Union principles and worked tirelessly to advance the Union membership.

Besides his wife, Terri, Al is survived by his children: Christopher (Karen), Stephen (Sharyn), Vincent (Anne), Patrick Castagno, and Theresa (John) Harper; grandchildren: Annette (Kavell) Conner, and Joan, Claire, Joseph and Luca Castagno; and great-grandchildren, Avery and Kainan Conner.

Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the celebration of Al's life which will begin with a Memorial Mass Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at 11 AM at Holy Family Parish, 15 Gender Rd., Newark, DE 19713 followed by a visitation/reception in the parish hall at 12 noon. Burial will be private. Al's family would like to thank the care providers at Christiana Care and the Heartland Hospice for their professionalism and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Food Bank of Delaware, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, DE 19713. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com

Strano & Feeley

Family Funeral Home

302-731-5459