Joseph D. Castrilli's Obituary
With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Joseph David Castrilli announces that he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on June 29, 2025, at the age of 82. Joe was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
While Joe was well known for his exquisite home improvements, impeccable landscaping, and passion for gardening, his proudest accomplishments were his deep love of family, unwavering loyalty to friends, and infectious love for life. His warmth, humility, and laughter touched all who knew him.
Born the youngest of four children on April 5,1943, in Syracuse, NY, Joe grew up on Knaul Street and graduated from North High School, where he met Michele, his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 59 years. Joe raised his family in Liverpool’s Jewel Manor, finding joy in renovating and improving his home.
Joe earned an engineering degree from SUNY Morrisville and proudly served as a member of the Air National Guard. He worked at General Electric for three years before retiring from a distinguished 26-year career as an electrical engineer with Niagara Mohawk in Syracuse. When he retired in 1994, he started his own successful business, AJM Remodeling, built on the philosophy that “no job was too small, all customers word of mouth.”
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Concetta Castrilli, his sister Mary, and his brother Tony.
Joe is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Michele (Pollastro) Castrilli; his son, Anthony (Trish); his daughter, Joelle (Jeff) Ross; his son, Michael (George Spencer); and his grandchildren, J.J. (Kalei), Joey, Allie, Nick, Carly, and Sophie. He is also survived by his sister, Anna Stefanco; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom loved him dearly.
During the final years of his life, Joe waged an inspiring and courageous battle against a rare neurological disorder. Joe’s family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of Central New York for their exceptional care.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse. A funeral mass in celebration of Joseph’s life will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St. Syracuse. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Foundation of Central New York, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.
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