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John V. "Castle" Miraglia Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Carto Funeral Home Inc Philadelphia

2535 S Broad St

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

John Miraglia Obituary

MIRAGLIA --"CASTLE"
JOHN V. SR., Jan. 20, 2009. Beloved husband to the late Emelia "Millie" (DiMeo); devoted father to John Jr. (Mary Beth), Sara Cucinotta and Debra (John) Grillo; loving grandfather to John (Valerie) Cucinotta III, Gina and Gabrielle Grillo, Donald, David and Deneen Welsh; dearest brother to Joan Greco and the late Mario "Mira", Sandy Rose and Livio "Lee". Relatives and friends invited to his Viewing Sunday 7 - 9 P.M. and Monday 9 - 10:15 A.M. at CARTO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2212-14 S. Broad St. Funeral Mass 11 A.M. at St. Louis Church, 821 W. Cobbs Creek Pkwy, Yeadon, PA. 19050 Entombment Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, make memorial donations to the above address.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Miraglia

Sponsored by John, Sara and Debbie.

14 Entries

Richard Greco

January 17, 2023

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

John Cucinotta

February 22, 2009

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 clubhouse. When I was about 10 or so, and outgrowing what he had built a few years earlier, he tore off the roof to the original clubhouse, and added a second story. Needless to say, all the kids wanted to play in my backyard. As I grew older, I thought of the name "Castle" in a different sense. Johnny Castle was not just a name... he truly did build a castle. The castle he built was a structure of love, respect and generosity. His generosity knew no boundaries, whether it be financial, or putting food in you belly. Has anyone ever been to his house and not had something to eat or drink? It was nearly impossible.
Holidays at my grandparents house were legendary, Christmas time especially. Christmas eve started with a "little" seafood. Mussels, clams, smelts, flounder, shrimp, bacala and calamari, just to name a few. Of course the homemade wine was abundant. Gramps never wasted time with fancy wine glasses, he drink his from a tall water glass. Although I was too young to drink much wine on the holidays, Gramps was sure to offer me some Hawaiian punch. Then after a few knee slappers from Gramps and Uncle Mario (and they usually argued who told the joke first... "I told you that one. Get outta here, I told you that one last year! I've been telling that joke for 20 years"). After devouring the first course, we would move into the dining room for the main course where the "L" shaped table stretched into the parlor. Just for the record, I never did get to sit at the "big" table.
Along the way, Gramps was many things. He was an entrepreneur, a carpenter, a sailor, a chef, an artist, a vinter, a traveler, a linguist and one of my favorites as a little boy.. santa clause. In my opinion, he deserves a lifetime achievement award.
I never took the opportunity to say this before, but I want to thank you Gramps, for being all that you were and passing along your values to me. I promise that I will do my best to learn from your example of what it means to be a man.
Love,
John John

Johnny "Castle" Miraglia

February 22, 2009

Sara Cuinotta

February 10, 2009

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 anyone else. He listened, understood and loved me even when I wasn't exactly lovable. I'm sorry that I didn't tell him often enough how much I appreciated his generosity, courage, compassion, strength of character and how proud I was of him. He was a wonderful and talented man and the best Father anyone could ever have. I will always hold the memory of him close to my heart. Goodnight Daddy, give me a hug. I love you. Kiss, Kiss, Kiss, Kiss, Kiss, KIss, Kiss.

Debra Grillo

January 31, 2009

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.

Barbara Larkin

January 27, 2009

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

Elizabeth Greco

January 26, 2009

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 entrepreneur, Vet, Merchant Marine,
Travelled near and far, a great father and son, and I know one thing
He gave much to strangers, flat on their face
Anonymously, and always, filled with grace.

That’s life, John’s life.... Got troubles? He’d defy ‘em,
Never talked of quittin’, baby, and his heart just kept on a-tryin’
But then one day he gave us his last good-bye,
And now he’s up with the angels in the sky.
Bye, Bye.
Love you, Uncle John!

Gabrielle Manne

January 26, 2009

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.

Gabrielle Manne

January 26, 2009

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

Rita Sisti Indeglio

January 26, 2009

Many loving memories of John, Millie, and family

Richard Greco

January 26, 2009

He was my Uncle. He was my Godfather. He was and very much remains my role model.

He was blessed with many talents and he blessed all of those with whom he came into contact with his generosity, compassion, understanding, guidance and support.

He lived a full life and touched many people in countless positive ways.

He was a devoted husband to my Aunt and second Mother, Millie who touched all who came in contact with her with a special love.

He was a loving Father and Grandpop.

He was a good son who took care of his Mother and visited her on Sundays often bringing her gifts and food.

He was a great brother. The solid rock type who was there to help out his siblings in any way that he could.

He was a Navy veteran.

He was a golfer.

He was a hunter.

He was a traveler.

He was an entrepreneur who built and ran his own businesses.

He was a carpenter whose work combined solid construction and artistic creativity. He was sought out by clients who wanted to create interiors with a special ambiance like those for bars and restaurants. But not just a carpenter, he was a craftsman.

He was a coin collector but not just any old coin collector. He collected fine, choice coins for years and became quite a sophisticated collector—the kind that earn the name Numismatist

He was a sculptor and he made stained glass pieces. Not just any run of the mill artist. He created beautifully detailed unique wood sculptures and stained glass works that earned him praise from whomever had the opportunity to appreciate his works. He was a true Artisan.

He spoke English and Italian and taught himself Spanish and even some Yiddish. He was a linguist.

He was a good and trusted friend to many from all walks of life, doctors, pharmacists, hair dressers, tradesmen, lawyers and laborers of all colors, black, white, brown and yellow.

He was a Santa Claus. He would dress up as Santa on Christmas eve and deliver gifts and cheer to children who were family, friends and even strangers.

He was a candy man. Neighborhood kids would wait in anticipation of him arriving home from a hard days work so they could receive the small candies he kept with him in his car.

He was an anonymous benefactor. When he heard on the news that an old blind woman whom he didn’t know was beaten and robbed, he visited her and gave her money to help out. He sought no praise, recognition or acknowledgement for this kind act. He was simply a loving and compassionate man.

He was a joker. He told hundreds of jokes, many very clever, many just corny but he brought laughter to many.

He was a vintner. He made wine at home in his garage. Some excellent and some just good but he lovingly shared it with friends and family.

He worked very hard to earn a living. and he was frugal, but always generous. He wasn’t wealthy in financial terms but what he earned he shared gladly with those in need—family, friends and strangers.

For most people, an individual comes into their lives who shapes that persons values and significantly contributes to their development as a person. I feel grateful and blessed that Uncle John came into my life. He lives on in me and in all of those whom he touched; and through me and the values that he instilled in me, he will live on in those whom I touch. I thank God that Uncle John will always be with me.

Rita Pirollo Weldon

January 25, 2009

I will remember both Johnny and Millie as the warm and wonderful friends they were to my family and especially to Mario and Carina. They can all look after us now. I'll always have great memories of the times we spent at their home.

John Miraglia

January 24, 2009

John and Millie--always an open door and an open heart. No two people have ever had more friends, and received more admiration, respect and love. To paraphrase one of Dad's many words; They were a peach of a pear. Will always miss you.

Love, John, Jr.

Kathleen Scuderi

January 23, 2009

I have years and years of great memories and I'm going to miss him a lot. He was the best!

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