Nelson CASTELLANO

1939 - 2023

CASTELLANO, Nelson Dominic MD DDS passed away unexpectedly on the evening of February 12, 2023, at the age of 83 years. He was born on June 14, 1939, in New York City. He worked with his father at Dominic's Body Shop while he attended the original Jesuit High School in downtown Tampa. He graduated in 1956 at age 16 and then attended Loyola University in New Orleans, LA, where he received a degree in dentistry. While there, he was introduced to his future wife, Vivian, by the late Rev. Bernard J. Tonnar, S.J., their professor and Chairman of Mathematics, with whom they had a life-long friendship. After college, Dr. Castellano graduated from the University of Miami Medical School. After five years specializing in E.N.T., he began his medical practice in otolaryngology in Tampa in 1975 on South MacDill Avenue. In 1980, a second office in Town 'n Country was opened with his friend and partner, Miguel Alonso, MD, for 10 years. He was renowned for his skills as a reconstructive and plastic surgeon, with excellent, steady hands. He was board certified in dentistry, oral surgery, medicine, ear/nose/throat surgery, and facial plastic surgery. "Dr. C" was joined later in private practice by his eldest daughter (a dermatologist), his daughter-in-law (an audiologist), and his youngest son (an otolaryngologist), at the Castellano & Howard Specialty Center. He was an assistant professor for 42 years with the University of South Florida at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital teaching E.N.T. residents. His practice expanded to include forensic testimony as an expert trial witness throughout the state of Florida. Saying he loved his professional work as a surgeon and teacher, he never retired. He was predeceased by his parents, Dominic Costa Castellano and Lily Estrada Castellano, for whom his grief over their deaths never abated. He was also predeceased by his brothers-in-law, John Boyett, of Lawrenceville, GA, and Edgar "Boots" Tiemann of Panama City, FL. He is survived by the love of his life, Vivian Tiemann Castellano, titled his "awesome wife" in his cell phone, married more than 60 years; and his four children, Lisa M. Castellano-Howard, M.D. (Tony), Christina C. Mesa, Esq. (Michael), Nelson T. Castellano, Esq. (Celeste), and Dominic M. Castellano, MD (Courtney). He leaves behind 13 beloved grandchildren, Tonnar Castellano, Anthony Howard, Rebecca Castellano, Domenica Howard, Michael Mesa, Ella Castellano, Charles Mesa, Nelson Howard, Dominic Castellano, Angelo Howard, Lily Castellano, Vivian Mesa, and John Castellano; and great-granddaughter, Sofia Castellano Cordero. "Brother" is survived by his beloved little sisters, Jo Ann Crain, of Tampa, and Maria Elena Boyett, of Lawrenceville, GA; sister-in-law, Patricia Fabri (Dale), of Phoenix, AZ; and brothers-in-law, John (Jonnie) and David Wood, of Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of cousins. Dr. Castellano was a devout Roman Catholic, and a member of Christ the King Church since 1975. An avid Bucs fan, he was a season ticket holder beginning in 1977. He was a member of the Krewe of the Knights of Sant'Yago, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. He introduced to the Gasparilla parade the tossing of beads as he experienced in his college years at Mardi Gras celebrations. With special contacts in New Orleans, he would order cases of beads and thoroughly enjoyed throwing them to the crowds. Loving and loyal, dedicated and determined, he was a consummate provider. He was honest and hardworking to a fault. His oaths of Maimonides and Hippocrates were genuine, and he gave nothing but the highest standard of care to each and every patient. He believed and espoused that the best quality of treatment required an effort not limited by any quantity of time. While his labors are legion, Nelson and Vivian were world travelers and weekends would find him playing tennis. He enjoyed cards, craps, and liar's poker with family and close friends, neither lamenting the loss nor bragging the win. He loved music and was often the first on the dance floor when the band struck a tune; few knew he was a skilled, self-taught accordion player. He was clever and funny, and relentless in his pursuits, often inventing various amazing contraptions to accomplish any goal. He was always studying. He and Vivian, a teacher, gave their children a thirst for education and every opportunity to learn. They instilled that knowledge is powerful, and they demonstrated their faith with generosity, courtesy, and confidence. Nelson was erudite, resourceful, fair, and a natural-born problem solver. He knew and loved every family member, their children, and grandchildren. In addition, he cherished his relationships with colleagues and was blessed with loving medical care from many of them, especially in the last several weeks of his life, including Lisa Castellano-Howard, Dominic M. Castellano, Jack Parrino, Nicholas Gutierrez, Margarita Gelpi, C. Alberto Morales, Alexandre Furman, Leonard Cosmo, Nanette Bentley, Daniel Murphy, Gary Dworkin, and Olga Kaliebe. We acknowledge his trusted and loyal staff over the years, Donna Neeley, Carmela Salvatore and Mary Willis. We miss him already, but will never forget his support and guidance, his readiness to heal, his industriousness and his constant professionalism. May he now rest in peace, with easy breath. Services will be provided through Blount and Curry Funeral Home (813-876-2421) and Christ the King Catholic Church, details to be determined shortly.