Richard Salvatore Castiglione, 86, of North Branford passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital after being stricken at home. He was the beloved husband of Carmela Candelora Castiglione, and they would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in June. Richard was born in New Haven on June 22, 1937, lived in Florida, then West Haven where he graduated High School. He attended CT School of Electronics & was the son of the late Eugene and Teresina “Tessie” Giuliano Castiglione.
He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army. A professional photographer for many years, Richard was the owner and operator of Castiglione Photography. He photographed numerous weddings, family events and Field Hockey Team portraits which preserved their family memories for years to come. He was the former owner of the Shell Gas Station on the corner of Campbell Ave. & Elm St. in West Haven & had worked for AT&T until retiring as a technician.
Richard (fondly nicknamed Stiggy) was a member of many organizations, including: Knights of Columbus of Guilford, New Haven Sportsman’s Club, New Haven Elks Lodge, NRA, USATT (U.S.A. Table Tennis), Past President of CT Professional Photographers Association (CTPPA), North Guilford Archery Club & a member of APA (American Pool Association).
Richard also volunteered for many local organizations including: North Branford Park & Rec Summer Camp – teaching Magic Tricks, Yo-Yo, and Table Tennis (Ping Pong), a member of North Haven Camera Club, taught photography at local Camera clubs throughout the New Haven area, and taught Professional Photographers across the country, photographed many North Branford sports teams, children with Santa at the North Branford Firehouses and St. Augustine Church. He was nationally ranked in the USTTA. He competed in Table Tennis in the Senior Olympics for 27 years in a row winning gold and silver medals in Single and Double competitions & sponsored North Branford Little League teams.
From the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Richard became a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) after receiving his Photographic Craftsman Degree.
Father of Laura (Sabatino) Parisi (Robert), Annette Schettino (Gary) and Stephen Castiglione. Papa of Gregory Schettino (Alex) and Michael Schettino as well as first Cousin Elaine Costello, who was like a sister. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and close friends. Predeceased by brothers John (Costello) Castiglione, Alberto (Costello) Castiglione, Raymond Castiglione, Eugene Castiglione and sisters Geraldine DeAngelis, Gloria Koehler & Dolores Cappella.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, March 21st from 4:00 to 7:00pm at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Friday morning, March 22nd at 9:15am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Parish at St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Road, North Branford at 10:00am. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The family would like to thank all the volunteers & staff at the North Branford Ambulance and Fire Department – Company 1 and the Yale Campus Emergency Room Staff. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Branford Fire and Emergency Services, in Memory of Richard Castiglione, make check payable to NBFD, Company One, P.O. Box 537, North Branford, CT 06471.
I met Richard just a little over two years ago when I bought some photography equipment from him. I searched for years for specific equipment. However, what became more valuable than the equipment was the knowledge and friendship he openly shared with me. He was the real deal and I use his knowledge everyday. My regret is that I didn’t get to spend more time with him. God bless Richard’s wife and dearest family.
RIP Rich, I feel so fortunate to have known you over the years. You will be missed by so many.
I met Richard several years ago through m y sister Grace Cribbins while we were shooting a wedding. Richard was always so happy to share his knowledge of wedding photography or any of his many other interests. It was such a pleasure to speak with him and his wife Carmela when we gathered at Grace’s house. My wife Laura and I will miss him dearly. Our condolences go out to Carmela her entire family.
My thoughts are with you all through this time. Andrea Madrigale
Sending heartfelt condolences from the family of Bonnie Candelora (Biaggio – Ben Candelora)
Rich was a giving, and loving human being. He gave freely, his photographic knowledge to all of us in CT PPA He loved life and especially his family . I was honored to know him and to be beat by him in ping pong! Truly one of the good guys.
Mr.Castiglione was such a kind and caring man. He leaves us with many fun and happy memories. My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jill Sander
Richard, words can not say the impact you have had on all of our lives. We have had so many fun times together and you were like a father to us all. You put your heart into everything you did and touched all the lives around you. You were truly one in a million.
Carmella Laura Stephen Annette & family. Our deepest condolences to you all. Cousin Richie was a wonderful man, always involved with family friends and anyone he met. He will be sadly missed but will forever be with us in the great memories in our hearts and prayers!! 😘❤️🙏Love to you all! Gloria & Tony Gallicchio
Laura and Bob, so sorry for the loss of your father. Our prayers are with you, may your dad rest in peace
Laura and family
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your dad is part of so many memories of events from my youth, right there with his camera around his neck.I hope all of your wonderful memories bring you some comfort during this hard time.
Take care
Sharon Wasilewski Reed
Laura and Bob my prayers and hugs go out to you and your family at this time.. His memories will live on in your hearts forever.. He had such a kind soul and great smile that I will never forget..