Robert Castiglia

ALBANY – Robert Castiglia, 71, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at The Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness.

Robert was born on July 16, 1941 in Schenectady and was the son of the late Salvatore and Anna (Viscosi) Castiglia and also was predeceased by his sister, Rosalie Castiglia. He attended Mt. Pleasant High School in Schenectady and worked for 40 years in heating and air conditioning as a sales and service technician for Palmier Oil and then Hoffman and Miller both of Schenectady. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany.

Robert loved celebrating his birthday with family. He enjoyed bowling, golf and also traveling with his wife and in-laws to sunny Tarpon Springs, Florida, enjoying the PGA Championship at Innisbrook, Strawberry Festival and "scootering" with his brothers-in-law. He was a big fan of the NY Yankees and NY Giants, always wearing the team hat and shirt on game day for luck.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Maria (Rudnicki) Castiglia; his loving children, Robert Castiglia, Jr., Richard Castiglia (Marie), Shelly Carter, and Christina Spiezio (Luigi); his sisters, Maryann Close (James) and Joyce Foote (the late Dennis); six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Robert will also be missed by his faithful canine companion "Ziggy".

Robert's family would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Peter's Hospital, Intensive Care Unit staff for their dedicated and compassionate care.

Relatives and friends are invited to Blessed Sacrament Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Calling hours will be at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.

Memorial contributions in Robert's memory may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 609 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206.