Eugene N. Castellano, Sr.

Eugene N. Castellano, Sr., of Buford GA, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2012 at his home in Georgia. Mr. Castellano was born in 1927 to Nicholas and Theresa Castellano in Newark, NJ, where he spent his childhood. In 1949, he graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and joined the Mennen Company as an analytical chemist. In 1953, he went to work for Bart Electroforming Co. in Newark as an electroplating chemist. He would continue to specialize in that field and went on to become one of the country's foremost experts in electroforming. In 1957, he became the Electrochemical Division Manager for Seymour Manufacturing Company in Seymour, CT. In 1965, he joined Gar Electroforming in Danbury, CT as General Manager, where he had the opportunity to work on cutting edge technology for microwave transmission and laser optics. He continued to consult in this area into retirement. Gene held two patents in electroplating and his publications on the electroforming of optical reflectors and complex shapes are still in use today. Upon graduating from Central High School in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and saw duty in World War II at the Battle of Okinawa as an intelligence analyst. Upon Japan's surrender, he was stationed in Korea until honorably discharged in 1947. In 1949 he married Antoinette J. "Anne" Daddona of Newark, NJ, whom he loved and remained with for 62 years. In 1982, they retired to Florida and then relocated to Buford, Georgia in 1994. Gene was an active supporter of the Lion's Club during his professional career. He was a member of the Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, CT, where he was enjoyed playing golf. In retirement, he became president of the local chapter of the AARP. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed science fiction novels. He is predeceased in death by his parents, his sisters Jean Heal, Patricia Cutrona, Anne Miserere and his brother Frederick. He is survived by his son Eugene and his wife Mary Jane of Wilmington, DE, his son Nicholas and his wife Sharon of Westport, CT, his son Gerald of New Cannan, CT, his son Richard and wife Vivian of New Cannan, CT, his son Robert and his wife Tamara of Park City, UT and his daughter Diane and her husband Greg Brown of Roswell, GA. He is also survived by his sisters Maria Castellano of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, Amy Grasso of Vernon, CT, Helen Tito of Southbury, CT and his brother Joseph of Bayville, NJ. Gene had ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staffs of Gwinnett Medical Center, Direct Healthcare Services and Gentiva Hospice for the compassion and care that was given to our father. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Veteran's Section of White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Duluth, GA with military honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.