It is with heavy hearts that the family of Costantino (Cosy) Castellani announce his passing at Toronto General Hospital on July 31, 2023 after a courageous battle with cardiovascular disease.
Cosy was born on June 25, 1947 in Cermignano Italy, to Attilio Castellani and Nicoletta D’Andrea. He was an adventurous boy who could be found with his cousin and brother among the vines in the garden or the branches of the trees mischievously harvesting fruit. As a young boy, Cosy developed an exemplary work ethic by persevering through the hardships he and his family endured, and that strength of will would follow him throughout his life. His dedication to success would lead him to a mechanical apprenticeship where he discovered his love of cars. Following some time working as a mechanic in Switzerland, the 21-year-old immigrated to Canada. He made Thunder Bay his home in February of 1968, in hopes of new opportunities in life and love.
Shortly upon arrival he was introduced to an opportunity with Iron Range Bus Lines; that would not only be the start of his lifelong career, but also the beginning of friendships that would last a lifetime. Every endeavour was met with passion and resilience, from furthering his education to ensuring the success of the garage. One could not walk into Iron Range Bus Lines and not see or think of Cosy and the pride he took in his work as well as the legacy he left behind.
As a young immigrant, Cosy was welcomed into the DiGiacinto family and introduced to the the love of his life Rita DiGiacinto. The two were married on January 13, 1973 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. As a young family man, you could often find Cosy documenting the daily lives of his children, camcorder in hand, knowing that some day it would be shared beyond his time. In the Castellani home, the kitchen was the heart of the home the family could always find him there preparing pasta sauce or homemade soup. While lending an ear and offering his advice, Clara, Tina and Attilio always knew they could count on him for guidance.
Cosy was a family man through and through; his grandchildren were the most important people in his life. He loved sitting and sharing stories of his past while listening to the stories of their day. No matter his health he attended the many sporting events, recitals and award ceremonies for his grandchildren. One could see the pride in his eyes when he spoke of them and his endearing attributes live on through his grandchildren.
Cosy spent much of his time tending to his tomato plants and fig trees, and socializing with his neighbours on Masters Street. You could often hear the joyous sound of his accordion through the windows as you passed by. Our sincerest appreciation to those who took the time and cared for his home while the family was in Toronto with him.
Cosy was a selfless, compassionate man with a way of making everyone in his presence feel at ease. With the smallest gesture he made everyone feel a part of his family and the void he has left will never be filled.
Cosy will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Rita Castellani, his Children: Clara Castellani Neves (Manuel), Tina Vieira (Craig), Attilio Castellani; his 6 grandchildren: Enrique, Mercedes, Carter, Cohen, Alaina and Atteo (and their mother Ashlee). He is also survived by his brother Pasquale Castellani (Angela Circelli) (Italy), Zio Tony (Italy), as well as numerous nephews and cousins in Canada and Italy.
He was predeceased by his parents Attilio Castellani and Nicoletta D’Andrea (Italy), parents-in-law, Francesco and Vincenza DiGiacinto, nephew Christian Castellani (Italy), brothers-in-law Antonio DiGiacinto and Donato DiGiacinto and nephew Stephane DiGiacinto.
The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the ICU doctors and nursing staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as well as the Toronto General Hospital, Peter Munk Cardiac Center for their great care and compassion. As special thank you to the Hemodialysis department for all their care over the last year and a half.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern Cardiac Fund (Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign) would be greatly appreciated.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023 in St. Anthony’s R. C. Church, 123 Hilldale Road, celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed and archived at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.
Costantino has left a lasting imprint on our souls and we will live our lives with his spirit in our hearts.
