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BORN
1926
DIED
2021
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John Castellani Obituary
John Louis "Coach" Castellani, passed away May 11, 2021 at the age of 94. Born in New Britain, CT, John lived a full life. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1951. While there, he was assistant basketball coach, head scout, physical education teacher, and had his own radio show on WNDU. From 1956-1959 John was head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Seattle University where he took the Chieftain's to the 1958 NCAA final game, which they lost by 12 points. He loved telling us all about the game and his star player Elgin Baylor. In 1959 he became Head Coach of the Minneapolis Lakers. He's a member of the Seattle University Hall of Fame. John received his law degree from Marquette Law School in 1963. John practiced law in Milwaukee from 1963- 2018. He moved back to Connecticut in 2018.
Funeral services, military honors and burial for John will be held Monday (May 17, 2021) in Connecticut. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain, CT is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Castellani
Sponsored by Carlson Funeral Home.
Linda L Solati
September 10, 2021
Johnny was a spirited fella who always had me laughing. While living in Milwaukee overlooking the lake, he often spent fanciful hours talking with his displayed stuffed animals, calling them all friends. Sharing evenings at Elsa's were awesome, as were tickling the ivories on his grand piano in his law office. We share a whimsical heart.
XOXO Linda Louise Solati
Whitefish Bay Wis
Martha Ekwurtzel
May 17, 2021
John was a larger than life man, that had a wonderful impact on my mother Margery´s life, and ` just in the nick of time´, for many of her later years. It was then I got to know John as the kind hearted, interesting, fun and complex man he was. Our time together spanned Milwaukee, South Central Wisconsin, Chicago, New Britain as well the Connecticut shore. We stayed friends for many years after my Mom´s passing and John regaled me with many a spirited tale, often over a meal and a glass of Cabernet. What a life this guy had! I´m thankful to have known him. God Bless, God Speed, Dear John.
Cathy(Matuszak) Jeffery
May 16, 2021
I remember when "Uncle" John would come to visit on Penn Ave, in his Cadillac convertible... as we ran to greet him, he made us go back across the street because we didn´t look both ways... to this day, I still think of him when I cross the street... may you all find comfort in your memories
Edward EJ Hunt
May 14, 2021
Exceedingly kind and wise and faithful, John was the friend you needed when you needed a friend most. Thank you for the time we shared. God bless you and keep you always.
Your Pal,
EJ
EJ
Michael DeConti
May 14, 2021
Maryjane, Linda and Bill,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your Uncle. He lived quite a full life.
Sincerely, Michael
Dan McCormick
May 14, 2021
John was a great friend and mentor; every day was special and full of gratitude. As an attorney, he helped countless folks through their tough times. He thoroughly enjoyed time with ‘the boys’ at Darby’s, Elsa’s, and every Bucks game. But over the many years, John was mostly a devoted friend to Betty, Lillian and Margery. Throughout his almost 60 years in Milwaukee, he always talked about his family back home, returning to Connecticut four or five times every single year. When St Peter called, asking if he was ready, John probably said “oh definitely, no question about it.”
Harry christon
May 14, 2021
What a great guy I was so proud to have known him he leaves a great legacy life to his soul
Judge John and Judge Jean DiMotto
May 14, 2021
Jean and I extend our condolences to the family of Coach. He was a terrific lawyer, coach and person. I enjoyed our conversations about the law and sports.
A.W. Carlson Funeral Home
May 13, 2021
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
Jack Quinlevan
May 13, 2021
John was a great guy and friend. We´ve missed him in Milwaukee since he moved back home. My condolences to his family.
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