Bruno J. Castellano
Owner of Castleton Furniture and Design; beloved husband, father, and grandfather
Mr. Bruno J. Castellano, 88, of Caldwell, N.J., passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be at the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley, 540 Franklin Ave., on Monday, April 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be conducted on Tuesday, April 23, at 9:30 a.m. There will be a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, celebrated at St. Lucy's Church, Newark, N.J., at 10:45 a.m. The interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Bloomfield, N.J. For complete obituary information, directions or to send online condolences, please visit our website at www.biondifuneralhome.com.
Bruno was born in Newark (1931) to the late Nicola and Raffaela (Scrivo) Castellano, Bruno lived most of his life in Verona, N.J., and moved to Caldwell 17 years ago.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War (1952 to 54). He was a photographer for the Army, filming historical events and combat, including the signing of the peace treaty ending the fighting. Photography remained a passion throughout his life. He was a photographer for the Italian Tribune for many years.
Bruno graduated from Barringer High School (1948) and the New York School of Interior Design (1949). In 1950, he founded Castle Decorators, Newark, which evolved into Castleton Furniture and Design, eventually moving to Bloomfield in 1976. With a reputation for excellent quality and superior service, Castleton Furniture provided beautiful home furnishings to loyal customers for over 55 years.
Bruno's passion for travel resulted in the formation of Gemini Travel Agency, co-owned with his brother, Peter. The travel industry allowed him to see the world, traveling to over 100 countries, with Italy being his favorite destination.
Bruno served as president of the New Jersey Home Furnishings Association. He was also a member of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, the American Society of Travel Agents and SKAL (Travel Industry Fraternity).
Bruno's charities and affiliations include: past president of the Columbian Foundation, whose main purpose was to award scholarships; , Memphis, Tenn., and president of the Teora Earthquake Relief Fund. This fund was organized to raise money for his father's hometown in Italy which was destroyed by a 1980 earthquake.
Bruno received numerous business and humanitarian awards throughout his life, including the Medallion Award in 1981 by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. But his most cherished possession was his family. His happiest time was when he was surrounded by his family and friends.
A true gentleman who was well-respected and always neatly dressed, he liked good food, good wine and a clean car.
Bruno never forgot his roots and ran his business and his life with honesty, integrity, and loyalty.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Jacqueline (Proto), who never left his side for months during his hospitalization. He is also survived by his children, John and his wife, Margaret, Jeffrey and his wife, Jackie, Renee Puerari and her husband ,Michael, and Ray and his wife, Tricia. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Cora, Michael, Carli, Alec, Nicholas, Dante, and John.
Bruno was predeceased by his brother, Peter Castellano.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Jackie and Bruno Castellano Fund, c/o , 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105-9959.