Vincent Francis Castano

Vinny was born on July 31, 1927, to Anna (D’elia) and Dominick Castano in his beloved borough of Brooklyn. He was the second of four children and the eldest son. He started working at a very young age as was typical of the times, holding various jobs in grocery stores, hotels, and even for a jeweler in the New York City Diamond District. After graduating high school, he studied as an apprentice and became a machinist and tool and dye maker by trade. He worked with cousins in a machine shop fabricating appliances, tools, and other mechanisms including the first color television cameras for WNBC. As the industry changed, he enrolled in night school to obtain his BS in Education and received his teaching license. He taught special education for over twenty years before taking early retirement.

Vinny married Carmen Ferrone later in life after being introduced by mutual friends. Ironically, they were at the wedding of these same friends several years earlier, but they hadn’t met, and their lives took them on different paths. Carmen and Vinny raised their daughter Joanne and, upon retirement, enjoyed traveling together. They were married until Carmen’s unexpected death in 2006.

In the face of this tragedy, Vinny remained a steadfast friend and confidant to everyone he knew. After so many years in Queens, he became a well-known fixture in the neighborhood, often referred to as the “Mayor of Astoria”. He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren, picking them up from school and shuttling them to dance classes, volleyball practices, and Girl Scouts.

Strong willed and stubborn most of the time, he had an enormous heart and fantastic sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences. Vincent had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He used his time productively to focus on his many hobbies, often having multiple projects in the works. His inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove him. He never gave up his desire to learn something new every day. He was a creator at heart always wanting to understand the intricacies of how things worked. One of his favorite shows to watch on television was “How it’s Made”. He was a master machinist, carpenter, glazier- he could fix or build anything.

Vinny was adventurous, often exceeding the limits of what one might expect a 96-year-old to be able to do. Most recently he embarked with his family on a European cruise to celebrate his youngest granddaughter’s graduation from high school. Always up for a fun time, he enjoyed going to sports events as he was an avid Mets, Cyclones, Islanders, and, most recently, Bills fan.

Vinny made no secret about how much he loved his family. His granddaughters were the light of his life and his relationship with his daughter and son in law was cherished. He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend. His passing comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply in his wide network of community. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. A long-time supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, we ask that you make contributions in lieu of flowers.

Vinny was preceded in death by his parents Anna and Dominick, his wife Carmen, his sisters Natalie and Christine, his brother Bernardino, his nieces Virginia and Carolyn, and his nephew Paul, as well as countless cousins, friends, and neighbors. He is survived by his daughter Joanne, his son-in-law William, his granddaughters Adelina and Jolia, his nieces Barbara, Jane, and Ellen, his nephews Charles, Michael, Thomas, and Bernard, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Vincent touched the lives of so many people. He will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.

A repsosing for Vincent will be held Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, 41-45 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377. A mass of christian burial will occur Monday, February 26, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Most Precious Blood RC Chruch, 32-23 36th Street, Long Island City, NY 11106. An interment will occur Monday, February 26, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735.