Christopher Joseph Castalano

Christopher Joseph Castalano, 71, a native and resident of Morgan City passed away Sunday, March 9, 2008 surrounded by his family at Thibodaux Regional Hospital due to post surgery complications. “Mr. Chris” known to many was a special man of tremendous strength, courage, integrity and devotion to his family. He will be fondly remembered for his smile, kindness, sense of humor and his ability to overcome obstacles. He was well respected by many of his friends, business acquaintances and patrons he met during his lifetime of dedication in the service industry as co-owner of Vista Food Mart, Chris’ Sack-N-Save and Castalano’s Sausage and Deli. Chris is survived by his 93-year-old mother, Josephine Kristicevich Castalano and his best friend and loyal wife of 47 years, Ann Giroir Castalano. He leaves a legacy of five children: Samuel Joseph of Houma, Jennifer Ann of Morgan City, David Paul and his wife Stefanie of Reston, Virginia, Mary Grace and her husband Tim Gray of Berwick, and Catherine Ann and her husband Don Loupe of Clear Lake, Texas. He is survived by three loving sisters, Betty Guarisco of Morgan City, Alice Stansbury of Abbeville and Madeline Guarisco and her husband Anthony of Morgan City, a brother in law, Paul Joseph Giroir and his wife Shirly Webber Giroir. Known as “Paw-Pee” to his 10 grandchildren, Chris loved being their short order cook on Sundays, spoiling them with treats and serving them his famous Spaghetti. They were the beats of his heart. Continuing his legacy are Christopher Ryan, Nicholas Cole, and Benjamin Clay Castalano of Reston, Virginia, Avery Michael, Madeline Grace, and Emma Marie Gray of Berwick and Rebecca Ann, Natalie Grace, Sarah Catherine, and Noah Joseph Loupe of Clear Lake, Texas. Also included in his surviving legacy are a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He joined his father, Samuel Joseph Castalano, two brother-in-laws, Uriah “Bubba” Stansbury and Peter F. Guarisco, his mother-in-law, Vivian B. Giroir and father-in-law, Eldred J. Giroir and his two grand dogs, Ana and Rosco in his eternal resting place with our heavenly father. Chris was a parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a sports enthusiast and an avid New York Yankees fan. Family, love of laughter, cooking and tradition shared brought Chris the most joy in his life. To know him was to love him and he was loved enormously and gave love generously. He will be missed. Join his family and friends to honor and celebrate Chris’ life on Tuesday, March 11, from 6-9 p.m. at Twin City Funeral Home with a rosary to be recited by Deacon Andrew Dragna at 7:00 p.m. Reflection will resume Wednesday, March 12, at Holy Cross Catholic Church from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. with a Mass of Christian burial to be conducted at 12 noon, officiated by Father Danny Poche. Chris will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Louisiana Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org/chapters/louisiana or The Arthritis Foundation at 800-283-7800. Arthritis Foundation PO Box 96280 Washington, D.C. 20090 or at www.arthritis.org