Thomas F. "Tommy" Casto

Former owner and manager of Casto Hardware in Cross Lanes, THOMAS F. "TOMMY" CASTO, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospice after a short illness.
Tom was a 1956 graduate of Nitro High School where he participated in all sports. He was an outstanding football player and was the first football player from Nitro High School to be named to the WVSSAC All-State football team.
Tom proudly served his country in the US Air Force as a jet engine mechanic stationed in Duluth, MN. He would gladly tell you that being stationed in Duluth was the best thing that ever happened to him. One night when he was at a roller-skating rink he met the love of his life, and wife of 66 years, Beverly.
Tom and his brother Corky owned and operated Casto Hardware in Nitro and Cross Lanes. Tom managed the Cross Lanes store for 36 years. Several years ago, the Charleston newspaper published an article about his career at the hardware store. The reporter asked him what he did at the store, and he said, "I just took care of the people when they needed taken care of". When you went to Casto Hardware you were always greeted with a smile and asked, "How can I help you". If you could describe what you were trying to accomplish you would get this answer, "I know exactly what you need to get the job done", and the parts were handpicked, given to you (along with instructions on how to use the parts), and then most likely you were given some extra parts, just in case you needed them, and told "if you don't use everything, just bring it back when you're done".
Tom was a member of Sleepy Hollow Country Club for 25 years and the foursome he golfed with played all year round. So much so that in the winter if there was a little bit of snow on the course, they would play with colored golf balls. He loved to go on cruises, especially after he found out you could drive golf balls off the back deck of the ship into the ocean.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Russell W. Casto, Sr. and Althea Casto, his brother Corky Casto, nephew Kirk Casto, and brother-in-law Michael Johnston of Champlin, MN.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife Beverly Johnson Casto, daughter Debbi Casto of Cross Lanes, sister-in-law Evelyn Casto of Nitro, nephews Rusty Casto of Nitro, Bill Casto (Rebecca) of Hurricane, sisters-in-law Shirlie Johnston of Champlin, MN, Barbara Williams (Roger) of Duluth MN, nieces Kelly Getchman (Gary) of Lakeville, MN, Melissa Stall (Brandon) of Two Harbors, MN and nephew Bob Johnston (Liz) of Hanover, MN.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro with Minister Andy Shamblin officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, WV. A gathering of family and friends will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Tom's memory to CAMC Memorial Hospice, 3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304, or a charity of your choice.
Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro, WV is assisting Tom's family, and you may send condolences to his family at www.cookefuneralhome.com