Phillip A. Castellano

Phillip A. Castellano MARION-Phillip A. Castellano, 82, of Marion passed away February 24, 2010 at 9:30 PM at the VA Medical Center, Marion. Phillip was born in Willisville, IL to Joseph and Josephine (DeVardo) Castellano on January 22, 1928. He married Velma Stilley on January 1, 1953 at Cario, IL. She preceded him in death. Funeral mass will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 27, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion with Reverend Monsignor Thomas Flach officiating. Burial will be in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, Herrin. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, February 26, 2010 at Blue Funeral Home, Marion. A prayer service will be held at 3:30 PM Friday, February 26, 2010 at the funeral home. Survivors include children, Mary and Roger Killman of Marion, Marla and Daryl Boswell of Stonefort, Philecia and Dale Stephenson of Marion, Marcella and Randy Nemeth of Marion, Philip Mario and Marsha Castellano of Creal Springs, Enrico “Chico” and Stephanie Castellano of Marion and Elizabeth “Che Che” and Tim Will of Marion; grandchildren, Jeri Lyn Killman, Jennifer Killman, Nikki Killman, Jason Boswell, Ashleigh Rushing, Callie Boswell, Jerod and Cassidy Stephenson, Keri and Andrew Edwards, Alicia Nemeth, Steven Nemeth, Philip Brent Castellano, Christopher Lee Castellano, Jonathon Marion Castellano, Dane A. Castellano, Emma Will, Logan Will, and Lucas Will; fourteen great grandchildren; one brother, Marion and Roberta Castellano of Marion; very dear friend, Pauline Johnson; and sister-in-law, Leela Castellano of New York. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and brother, Eugene Castellano. Mr. Castellano served his country honorably with the US Army during the Korean War. In his younger years he worked as a contractor. He loved to play music and helped organize the JALC Community Band. Phillip lived every day to the fullest, and created a masterpiece out of each day. His family was the highlight of his life and loved getting together and spending time with them. He never met a stranger and loved to tell stories. The family would like to thank Dr. Jerry Felts, the VA Medical Center, and the entire staff of the VA community living center.