James Castagna

James Castagna

August 30, 1947- September 23, 2021

James Castagna, 74, of Long Valley passed away on September 23, 2021. Devoted husband of Michele (nee Juliano).  Beloved father of Jamie Leiser and her husband, Peter and Billy Castagna and his wife, Danielle.  Cherished brother of John Castagna and his wife Vera.  Loving Grandfather of Michela, Rose, Carl, Eva, and James.

Jimmy was born in East Orange to James and Rose (nee Richards) Castagna and raised in the Vailsburg section of Newark.  He lived in Long Valley since 1980.  After his father's sudden passing in 1966, he took over the operations of the family business, Garden State Brush Factory, which was located in the Ironbound section of Newark.  While he maintained the family business, he attended  Fairleigh Dickinson University in Florham Park where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.  From the Brush Factory, he moved onto Red Devil Paints where he was a manager of their applicator division.  He then began his accounting career with Keuffel & Esser Engineering in Whippany, managing their Credit Union.  His career continued in his private accounting practice in Lake Hiawatha and Hoboken for 25 years.  His proudest, most successful accomplishment was establishing the Golf Doctor Pro Shop in Lake Hiawatha.

James was a golf enthusiast who loved playing, watching and talking about the game.  He was the life of the party, loved to dance, loved to sing - especially Frank Sinatra and his contagious laugh made everyone laugh along with him.   Jimmy celebrated his 50th Wedding Anniversary with Michele this past May.  He was most proud of the family they built together and spending time with them was what he loved most in this world.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for James at the Galante Funeral Home 2800 Morris Ave. Union NJ on Monday from 2PM-4PM and 7PM-9PM.  A Funeral Mass for James will be held on Tuesday at 11AM Our Lady of Mercy Church 90 Whippany Rd, Whippany, NJ.  Entombment to follow at Gate Of Heaven Cemetery 225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ.