Mr. Michael Louis Castagna, age 76, of Jasper, Georgia passed away peacefully Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Michael was born on July 30, 1948 in Queens, NY, the son to the late Alfred and Angelina Castagna. Michael enjoyed growing up by the beach in Eaton’s Neck, NY. Michael studied at Suffolk County Community College and Cornell University before joining the Army/Army National Guard, where he served our nation for over 25 years. Michael’s deployments included Korea during the Vietnam War, the Mojave Desert during the first Gulf War, and a peace keeping mission in Bosnia. Michael was a decorated soldier, 2 time recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, 3 time recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, 2 time recipient of the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 2 time recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/”M” Device, Non-Commissioned Officer’s Professional, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar. He retired from the military in 2003 as a Staff Sergeant, E6. Michael’s zest for work continued when he joined the City of Jasper, Georgia as the Planning & Zoning Director, becoming a beloved member of his community.
Michael’s true passion was his family, who he leaves behind his daughters, Coleen Castagna and Casey Castagna, beloved granddaughter, Taylor Skye Buchanan, brothers John Castagna (Rosalie) and Salvatore Castagna (Pricilla), and sister Angelina Finnegan (Patrick), along with many cherished family members. Michael is preceded in death by his brother, Alfred Castagna.
Michael was an avid car and motorcycle buff. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time outside, taking his dog, Rupert, to the Bent Tree lake and dog park, dining out with friends, and spending his weekends with his Diane and Al(Bear) Nelson (family) and Daniel Dilworth (brother-in-law). Michael never met a stranger, and his kindness was never overlooked. His smile and laugh were contagious, and his many friends will certainly miss him.
Michael will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Canton, GA at a date and time to be determined.