Michael Castellani

The Legend of the 93rd Bomb Squad Renegades, Ltc Michael Castellani, will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors and B-52 fly over on March 8, 2024 at 10:30 AM. If you will be attending, please arrive at the Cemetery NO LATER than 20 minutes prior to the service time (you will check in at the guard shack and they will direct you where to go). Riverside National Veterans Cemetery, 22495, Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, California.

Michael A.”The Don” Castellani – Lt Col USAF Retired , Age: 67, passed away on January 19, 2024, at his home in Benton, LA.

Mike entered the Air Force in 1981 after graduating from San Diego State University. He went through Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams AFB. Upon graduation he stayed on as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot and Check Pilot in the T-38. From there he went to March AFB CA, serving as a T-38 Instructor Pilot, Flight Examiner and Operations Officer. In 1990, Mike was assigned to Loring AFB, ME, where he was a B-52 Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot. During this time he deployed in support of OPERATION DESERT STORM, where he was awarded an Air Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal.

In 1993, Mike left the active-duty Air Force to begin his long career in the Air Force Reserves. During his time in the reserves Mike served as the 917th Operational Support Squadron Commander, 917th Operations Group Chief of Stan/Eval and the 93rd Bomb Squadron Director of Operations.

In 2009, Mike began the final phase of his Air Force career by working as an Action Officer and Program Analyst in Air Force Global Strike Command Stan/Eval.

With a true all-American military spirit, Mike pursued and served his country and family with an unwavering career and heart. Mike was a leader and known to many as “The Don.”

His dream job was to own his own Bar and Grill making his meatball and gravy sandwiches famous! Instead, he inherited many souvenirs from some of the most notorious bars in the Air Force like the bar bell from The Warrior’s Den at Loring AFB Officers Club and a Bar towel from Sally’s Ally at March AFB.

Mike played college baseball with late Hall of Famer, Tony Gwynn. He pitched a ball to Mark McGuire -- that is still orbiting the Earth! He threw a home run ball at the late Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker in Panama.

His favorite pastime was watching his beloved Red Sox play and win four World Championships. He shared his passion of baseball with his Sons and four Grandchildren by taking them to numerous baseball parks across the country in order to watch “The Sox” play.

Mike was a deeply beloved Father, Uncle, Brother, Son, and Papa as his Grandkids liked to call him, and a treasured friend.

His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just like he always hoped it would be.

Mike was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Jude Catholic Church

Left to cherish his memory are: Wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Castellani, of Benton LA; Mother, Mary Castellani, of Redlands, CA; Sons, Matthew Castellani and his wife Ana, Nicholas Castellani, each of Seattle, WA; Dominick and David Castellani of Benton, LA.

Also remaining to carry on his legacy are: Grandchildren, Dylan, Caden, Vincent, and Theodore Castellani; Brother, Mark S Castellani - Lt Col USAF Retired, and Wife Susan, Centennial, CO; Nephew, Anthony J. Castellani--Lt Cmdr USN Reserve, Memphis, TN, and Wife Jennifer; Niece, Christina E. Castellani, New Haven, CT, and her Husband Diego Di Carlantonio, along with their son, Aaron; Aunt: Ann Lorusso; Cousins, Michael Lorusso, Jack Lorusso, Elaine Amorello, and MaryJo Grogan; and his Brother & Sister In-Law, Theodore “Ted” and Cynthia “Cinde” Scharf of Salt Lake City, UT.

Preceding Mike in death were: Father, Nunzio J. Castellani, CMSgt USAF Retired; Sister, Susan E. Castellani, Redlands, CA; Brother, David W. Castellani, Redlands, CA; Paternal Grandparents, Emilio and Mary Castellani; Maternal grandparents, Giacomo and Angela Giustino.

The Memorial Mass was held at St. Jude Catholic Church at 11:30 am, Thursday, February 1, 2024 followed by a Fly Over and Reception at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please bring pictures to leave for the family photo album, and/or scroll below to upload any digital pictures to the link: "Add a Memory" tab onto the Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home website.

Also, if you would like to contribute a dessert to the reception, please scroll below the: "Show your support" section to the "Donations" link: "Bereavement Ministry Desserts for Mike's Funeral Reception" and simply click on this link to sign up and let us know, what type of dessert you are bringing and how many servings it accommodates by January 30, 2024.

If you are traveling, be it flights &/or hotel, please use our Bereavement Travel Program, by calling 1-800-224-4177, please provide reference #: 4039.