James Franklin Castagneri, 93, most recently of Largo, Fla. and Morgantown, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Fla.
He was born Oct. 26, 1927, in Kingwood, a son of the late Michael Castagneri, and the late Dominica “Mary” Corona Castagneri.
Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Ryan, of Charleston; two grandchildren, Michael James Ryan and his wife Patricia “Patty,” of Morgantown, and Stephanie Ryan Conrad and her husband Stephen “Steve,” of Phoenix, Ariz.; four great-grandchildren, Bryson and Colton Conrad and Morgan and Miles Ryan; two sisters, Matilda “Tilly” Staggs, of Morgantown, and Tina Keenan, of Alabama; and his loved and loving companion of 15 years, Eloida Maestros, of Largo, Fla..
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ella S. Lucas Castagneri, on Feb. 23, 2003, and his brother, Andrew Castagneri.
Mr. Castagneri was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Morgantown. A veteran of the United States Army, he served at the end of World War II. He spent the majority of his life working for the federal government and retired as a draftsman from the Bureau of Mines. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and using his talents to create and build different things.
Friends may join the family to honor Mr. Castagneri’s life and legacy at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave. Westover/Morgantown, from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 29, and from 9-9:30 a.m., Friday, July 30.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., Friday, a procession will leave from the funeral home traveling to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, One Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, STD, VE, as celebrant. Following the funeral Mass, Mr. Castagneri will be laid to rest with his wife at East Oak Grove Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded.
A scriptural wake service will be held in the funeral home, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, to conclude the evening visitation.
At the request of the family, everyone in attendance at both the funeral home visitation or funeral Mass will be asked to wear a face covering.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
