Paolo Richard Castellano

Paolo Richard Castellano obituary, Orlando, FL

Paolo Richard Castellano

Paolo Castellano Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 30, 2023.
In Loving Memory of Paolo Richard Castellano

Paolo Richard Castellano, aged 56, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on October 16, 2023. Paolo was born on February 4, 1967, in New York, NY, and grew up in Chicago. Paolo is survived by his devoted spouse, Hilary Cooperman, their cherished children, Giancarlo and Tessla Castellano, his mother, Linda Castellano, and his sister, Nicole Castellano (Michael Lynch). He was preceded in death by his father, Bruno Castellano.

Paolo was a remarkable man whose life was defined by his passion, authenticity, fearlessness and unwavering love for his family. He lived a life unapologetically true to himself.

Paolo was an Illinois State Scholar in high school and graduated from the University of Chicago in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Paolo was a fierce competitor in everything he did. During high school, college and beyond, he shared a unique bond with his sister Nicole, showcased through their extraordinary talents as World-Class Pairs Roller Figure Skating Champions placing in the top three from 1989 - 1991 at the National Championships, Olympic Festivals, Pan American Games, and finally tied for third place at the World Championships.

Paolo's journey was one of extraordinary breadth and depth. After skating, he worked for the family moving business, Peacock Relocation Systems, until his love of cars changed his course. Paolo became an automotive aficionado and was chosen as one of the ten finalists from hundreds of contestants for the 2003 Sport Compact Car Magazine Ultimate Streetcar Challenge. Driving his Dodge Viper, he placed third, blowing out the competition in the category for the most power. In pure Paolo fashion, he envisioned a better twin turbo system and set out to design and fabricate his groundbreaking ideas. He engineered and was renowned for his innovative twin turbo kit systems for Dodge Vipers. His technical prowess and dedication to his craft set him apart in the world of car enthusiasts. His company, Castellano Power, fabricated Paolo's systems, and many Viper owners still proudly sport Paolo's Twin Turbo Kit on their cars to this day.

Eventually, his passion for adventure and engineering led him to establish a successful pedicab business, where he designed and custom-built electric tricycles. Dressed in red, white and blue as he worked at sporting events and concerts, Paolo was known for his superhuman biking skills and his willingness to assist others with their bikes, which affectionately earned him the nicknames "Magneto" and "Captain America" among his fellow pedicabbers.

However, Paolo's love and influence extended beyond his engineering innovations and figure skating achievements. At his core, he was a loving husband and father. Paolo and Hilary's connection was built on friendship, shared values, and a deep understanding of one another. His greatest accomplishments, alongside Hilary, are his children. Paolo devoted countless hours to nurturing their talents, academic pursuits, and instilling in them the values of hard work and determination. He home-schooled his son until middle school and actively coached his children in skating and cycling.

Paolo's unwavering commitment to his family, his love for his children, and his love and partnership with Hilary were the cornerstones of his life, forming his enduring legacy.

He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and lived life to the fullest. His unique sense of humor and his ability to make everyone laugh endeared him to all who knew him.

A memorial service in honor of Paolo will be held on November 5, 2023, at 11:30 AM in the Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, followed by a reception. We invite you to join us in commemorating Paolo's life and sharing treasured memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Porphyria Foundation in Memory of Paolo Castellano. Contributions can be submitted online at https://porphyriafoundation.org/get-involved/donate/. Paolo will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing and endure in the hearts of those who loved him.

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March 28, 2025

Scott Wicks posted to the memorial.

December 17, 2023

Robert Weaver posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2023

Mark Robinson posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

Scott Wicks

March 28, 2025

Just saw this and my heart aches. I only new the family a short time in the 80s but working with this kid then during his summer breaks was a joy.

Robert Weaver

December 17, 2023

Paolo was an amazing skater, but I remember him mostly as an aspiring pair skater on ice. He was training at Parkaire Ice Arena near Atlanta, under Tim Abel and Don Laws. He was talented and attacked the ice with gusto at every practice session. I'm saddened to hear of his passing, and my thoughts and prayers immediately go out to his family.

Mark Robinson

November 4, 2023

So sorry for your loss. I wish I had an opportunity to do more bike rides with him. When life got busy, I always thought there would be more time in the future for more rides. I always liked passing him and his son on the bike trails. We would always stop and do u-turns and end up chatting for a while. Paolo was always so friendly and full of great bike tips and strategies. On one chance meeting on the trails, I got to meet Paolo's wife and daughter as well. That was a good day. I also enjoyed hearing what the latest was on Gianni and his cycling and scholarly success. I always left our chance meetings in a happy mood.

Mark Markese

November 4, 2023

My fondest memory of Paolo is vacationing in Manitouwish Waters with family and friends a true highlight in my life! You will truly be missed Paolo!

Tina KNEISLEY Dulong

November 2, 2023

He lived life FULLTILT! Whatever he did it was 100%..... he set his mind to it and did it! He inspired me to look at my life and decide how I wanted to live it. He was a great human being.... And he will be so missed.Tina KNEISLEY Dulong

Sharen Eggert

November 2, 2023

So,Sorry for your loss..i will always have the best wishes. God bless you and your family

Sandee and Bob Chalik

October 31, 2023

Beautiful obituary. We are so, so sorry for your loss. May beautiful memories sustain you and your children.

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Kika Shabot

October 30, 2023

May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all whom was touched by his generosity and kindness

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Kika Shabot

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Kendra, Robert & Alissa

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Sign Paolo Castellano's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 28, 2025

Scott Wicks posted to the memorial.

December 17, 2023

Robert Weaver posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2023

Mark Robinson posted to the memorial.