James (Cass) Castellano, 80, of West Milford, passed away at his home on Dec. 15.
He was born in New York, New York, on Oct. 13, 1938.
He resided in Manhattan during his younger years, and was later raised in Demarest.
James graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School.
He found his love for collecting things such as coin operated amusement rides, music memorabilia, and cars.
James met his wife, Barbara Osika, accidentally at a wedding they both had been invited too, and he served his country in the United States Army for two years until receiving an Honorable Discharge in November of 1963.
Proud and passionate about the business that he had built, Russo’s Auto Body in Middletown, New York, he restored many types of old cars and even built a Batmobile.
An active community member, James coached West Milford’s Girl’s Softball for many years.
He thoroughly enjoyed building and creating, and was a master craftsman.
His greatest passion was his family: His wife, Barbara Osika Castellano of 56 years, his three daughters; Lisa Castellano Bernash and her husband Christopher Bernash of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Susan Castellano, of West Milford, and Debra Castellano Szidon and her husband Alex Szidon of Lafayette, California.
His eleven grandchildren; James, Sara, Samantha, Justin, Daniel, Victoria, Amy, Christopher, Max, Ben and Zoe. His sister, Diana Castellano of Pomona, New York and nieces, Jaime Castellano Havrilla and Angela Motta.
He was a loving father to many more than just his own children.
Predeceased by his parents, Marie Russo Castellano and James Castellano, his sisters Barbara Castellano and Noreen Motta, his niece Diana Motta, and his grandson, Patrick James Kearney.
He will strongly be missed by so many.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, National Cancer Society or the West Milford Animal Shelter.
A Celebration of Life Service to be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Richards Funeral Home in West Milford.