PETER CASTELLANO

CASTELLANO--Peter Maurice 62, passed away at his home in Atlantic Beach, FL on January 24, 2012 after a lengthy illness. Peter was born on February 14, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY to parents Michael and Elyane "Lana" Castellano. He attended St. Sylvester's Roman Catholic Grade School where he also served as an altar boy at Sunday masses. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Peter found his calling as a professional photographer when he was just a boy and his Uncle Charlie gave him a camera. This sparked his creative interest in photography and he pursued that as a career, which spanned over 35 years. Peter became a well-known fashion photographer both in Europe and the United States in the 1970's. He studied under Guy Bourdain and Gustav Petersen and was touted as the "next Scavullo" in the early 1980's. He worked with some of the finest art directors in the business. Rowan Johnson, Juan Ramos and Antonio Lopez were among his early mentors. He also collaborated on a book with famed science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke. During Peter's years as a professional photographer, his editorial work included French Elle, The Sunday Times in London, Vogue and Viva to name only a few. Peter's love of fishing, animals, nature and science fiction were well known to his close friends and family. He often remarked, "Any day I'm fishing is a great day. Period." Peter is survived by his wife, Bettina McMahon Castellano, sister Michele Scaglione, brother-in-law Vito, his niece, Danielle Mayol and her husband, Gerardo, his great niece, Sabrina Mayol and his dog Click. He is predeceased by his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: ASPCA: www.aspca.org, (212) 876-7700. American Liver Foundation: www.liverfoundation.org or American Liver Foundation, (212) 668-1000.