Pietronilla "Nellie" Castagna

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Pietronilla (Nellie) Castagna, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Nellie peacefully departed this life at home surrounded by her family on February 28, 2024, at the age of 74.

Nellie was born on February 4, 1950, in Ribera, Sicily to her late parents Michelina and Benny Trapani. She migrated to the United States in 1959 at the age of 9 and settled in the Peterstown Section of Elizabeth New Jersey.

In 1973, Nellie married the love of her life Onofrio Castagna, in which they celebrated 50 years of marriage in September of 2023. They raised two children, Anthony and Josephine. She was a loving and dedicated mother, always instilling the values of family.

Nellie cherished her role as a Nonna to her four grandchildren. She loved having them over to swim, going on day trips or daily adventures as long as they were together.

Nellie worked for Elizabeth Public Schools as a para- professional to students with special needs. Nellie has spent her life spreading cheer and kindness to everyone. Her smile and laughter was contagious in which she brought joy to everyone’s lives. She spent her time making memories with her children, family, and friends. Nellie welcomed everyone to her home with a warm smile and of course her famous baked goods, especially her butterfly cupcakes with pudding and cream puffs; no one ever left her house hungry. Nellie was known to be the life of the party when attending Italian dinner dances, trips to Italy, Florida and Atlantic City.

She is survived by her loving husband Onofrio, her son Anthony and daughter Josephine along with her four grandchildren Aiden, Anthony Nico, Julianna and Gabriella.

May her legacy live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

A visitation for Nellie will be held Monday, March 4, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden. A funeral mass will be on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 10:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 853 3rd Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.