"It has been such a long, long time since we have seen you. May God bless you always."
In loving memory of
Michael Castro
Michael Castro passed away on Thanksgiving night, November 24, 2011 at the age of 94. Michael was born Dominic Cagliostro to Domenico and Annunziata (Petrolino) Cagliostro in the village of Adrian, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. He was the middle of 10 children, surviving all. After moving to Brooklyn, N.Y., he graduated high school and worked as a Millwright. He changed his name to Michael Castro and was known as "Mickey." Soon after, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country in Guam with the Army Corp of Engineers, during WWII. Following the war he returned to Brooklyn and worked for H.H. Edwards Co., eventually becoming president of the company. Michael then merged H.H. Edwards with New York Tramrail Co. Inc., a well-known Bronx-located company, where he was then owner and President until he retired in 1984. He resided in Palm Bay, Florida, until October, 2010, when he relocated to the Phoenix area. Michael married Patricia Spinelli in 1947. They started their family in Brooklyn, having two daughters, Nancy (Hugo) and Annette (Ciccone). Michael moved his family to River Edge, NJ and then to Oradell where he had a son, Michael. Mickey was a good man, a proud man whose mantra was integrity. He was a very successful businessman whose word was his handshake. He had many friends and the respect of many associates because of his values. He enjoyed sports but, truly loved baseball. He was a die-hard Yankee fan through thick and thin. He is survived by his daughter Nancy and son Michael, both of whom live in the valley. His daughter, Annette, passed earlier this year. He is in the hearts of his eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for Sunday December 4th from 1 pm to 4 pm at Hansen's Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 East Bell Road, Scottsdale. A military burial will be held at the Arizona National Cemetery at 10 am on Monday December 5th. In lieu of flowers charitable donations can be made to Soldiers Angels (www.soldiersangels.org) in the name of Michael Castro.