Obituary
Mary Castellano, affectionately known as "Marie," of Hicksville, NY, passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Carmine. Devoted mother of Carmine (Laura), Mary Gianfortone (Mike), James (Christina), and William (Karla). Loving grandmother of Carmine, Lisa, Chrissy, Jimmy, Sarah, ,Mark, Kristy Ann, and Billy. Proud great-grandmother of Alessia, Vincenzo, Antonia, Alessandra, Carmine, Enzo, and Leo. Adored sister of Patsy, Jane, Nora, Margie, Ellen, Catherine, and Eddie. Mary’s parents immigrated from County Mayo, Ireland and settled in Brooklyn. Like most Brooklynese, her family was a tight unit, always looking out for each other in the neighborhood. She grew up strong and quick-witted, and her beauty caught the eye of her beloved husband Carmine. It was love at first sight. They were married and moved to Hicksville where she raised her family with Irish love and Italian traditions. She was a fantastic cook, embracing Italian cuisine and making sure her family was always fed before they went anywhere. She told it like it was and she didn’t sugar coat anything. Her grandchildren were everything to her. Inviting them over and showering them with food and the best meatballs you ever had. A real spit fire, she fought to the end, but now it’s time for her to be reunited with her beloved Carmine, God help him. She was the heart of our family. The strength we leaned on, whether we realized it or not. We will miss her terribly but thank God we were blessed with our amazing mom. Love you forever.
Family will receive friends Sunday, 2 pm – 6 pm, at the Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Homes 2515 N. Jerusalem Rd. (Exit 25N SS PKWY) East Meadow, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, 10 am, at Cure of Ars R.C. Church in Merrick, NY. Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery. www.osheafuneral.com
