Heather Austin Castronova

Heather A. Castronova, born March 3, 1978, formerly of the Township of Washington, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday February 8, 2023 at her home in Allendale. Heather was the beloved daughter of Mary Ann and the late Arthur Cumming; and brother Scott. She is survived by her children Gina and A.J., their father Anthony, and grandparents Madelyn and Brad Bromley, and Ronaldo Castronova. She is the cherished niece of Elizabeth and Kenneth Gheno, Regina Richter, and Martin and Imee Zollner. She will be dearly missed by many other family members and friends.

Heather was born in Hackensack, N.J. and graduated from Hackensack High School. She joined the United States Marine Corp.in 1997.After graduating from basic training at Parris Island, she served in Quantico, VA, Twenty Nine Palms, CA and Okinawa, Japan. She attained the rank of Sergeant and specialized in communications. She received two Navy Achievement awards. Upon returning to the U.S., she worked as a Bergen County Police Department Dispatcher. After five years, she attended the Police Academy and was the first woman to compete in the Iron Person competition, finishing in third place. In 2002, she was hired as a police officer in the Township of Washington. During her time as an officer, she was in charge of organizing the Junior Summer Academy as well as other activities such as in-class teaching of students about cell phone safety. Heather held the titles of Juvenile Officer, Domestic Violence Officer and had roles in community policing and public information. In 2020, she was promoted to Detective. She received an Outstanding Law Enforcement Professional award.

After retirement, Heather was a member of the PTO and class mother at Jesse George School. She spent the majority of her time involved with her children’s education and sports activities. She was also a member of VFW Post 6192 in the Township. She was Junior Vice Commander and worked on graphic design as Public Affairs Officer.

To celebrate Heather’s life, family and friends will be received at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, N.J. on Sunday, February 19th from 2 to 6 PM. On Tuesday, February 21st, friends are invited to Becker Funeral Home at 11:00 am, followed by a procession to the Tower Chapel at George Washington Cemetery, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Heather to VFW Post 6192. www.vfw6192.org