James G. Castano

James G. Castano (Jim), 84, Hudson, passed away on August 29, 2024. 

Jim was born on October 16, 1939 to Frances (Nicolazzo) Castano and Frank Castano and raised in West Newton, MA. He graduated from Newton High School, Class of 1957, with his lifelong love, Josephine (Gentile) Castano, who became his wife of 67 years. 

In addition to Jo, Jim is survived by his children: Kathleen (Castano) Wilson and her husband David of Hudson; Corinne Castano and her husband Keith Zizza of Shrewsbury; and James F. Castano and his wife Janet of Phoenix, AZ. He is proud Grandpa/Papa to Kaitlan, Marina, Trevor, and Talia.

Jim also leaves behind his sister, Constance Montagna of Acton, his brother, Patrick Castano of Marlborough, and their families, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family, friends, and neighbors, whom he loved sitting around the dinner table with, sharing old stories and good Italian food.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, and his daughter Christine (Castano) King. 

After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed at Otis AFB in Cape Cod as an Aircraft Technician in support of the 60th Fighter Interceptor Squadron where he serviced the F-101B Voodoo interceptor.

He had a fulfilling career at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he was among the first few hundred employees at the old Maynard Mill site. He remained dedicated to DEC for 40 years, and made many lifelong friends there.

Jim was an avid gardener who was known throughout the neighborhood for his meticulous lawn, flower beds, and vegetable garden. Every year he started his tomato plants from seed, which later became the basis for Jo’s family sauce recipe. He loved to bake, with a specialty in all kinds of bread. During the holidays, he spent hours making hundreds of his famous Italian anisette cookies for friends and relatives to enjoy. And anyone who stopped by on Christmas Day had the privilege of taking part in the annual fried dough-making ritual.

Jim was a motorcycle and classic car enthusiast, who grew up being able to identify the make and model of a car driving by, just by the sound of its engine. He enjoyed time with family, relaxing on Cape Cod beaches, and was a fan of Westerns, The Godfather films, and Steve McQueen. A die-hard sports fan of all New England teams, he also enjoyed local Marlboro Shamrocks football games and races at Westboro Speedway. He was happiest when getting his hands dirty working around the yard or on the car, decoding his daily cryptoquote, or playing bocce at family outings. His wise advice, sense of humor, and presence will be greatly missed by all of us who cherish him.

Calling Hours for Jim will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 8am-9:30am, at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA 01749. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 10am, at Saint Michael's Parish, 21 Manning Street, Hudson, MA, followed by a procession to Saint Michael's Cemetery, 278 Cox Street, Hudson, MA, for Committal Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Vet-Rides, Hudson Veterans Services, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749. Vet-Rides provides free medical transportation for local veterans and their spouses.