John "Coach" Castellani

John Louis Castellani passed away May 11, 2021 at the age of 94. Born in New Britain August 23, 1926, he was the only son of Louis and Sarah Hurley Castellani. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy DiPietro, Nephew David & Diane Frederick and Sally Ann DiPietro Zyjewski . John lived a full life. If he did have a bucket list I would say it was empty! He graduated from New Britain High School class of 1944. He played tennis, baseball, football, golf, basketball and was an avid sports fan! In 1944 he joined the Navy and was stationed on a PT boat in the Philippines. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1951. While a student at Notre Dame he was a substitute teacher in an elementary school, Notre Dame’s assistant basketball coach, head scout, physical education teacher, and had his own radio show on WNDU. From 1956-1959 John was head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Seattle University where he took the Chieftain's to the 1958 NCAA final game, which they lost by 12 points. He loved telling us all about the game and his star player Elgin Baylor. In 1959 he became Head Coach of the Minneapolis Lakers. He’s a member of the Seattle University Hall of Fame, CIAC Hall of Fame and New Britain Sports Hall of Fame. John received his law degree from Marquette Law School in 1963. John practiced law in Milwaukee from 1963- 2018. He moved back to Connecticut in 2018. He traveled to so many places and met so many people and had so many friends. He leaves behind his sister Elizabeth Castellani Frederick, many nieces and nephews who he was always so proud of. Mark and Kathleen Frederick of Kensington, Gail and Peter Steele, Mary Beth Frederick, Laurie and Bob Laramie all of New Britain. Maryjane DiPietro, Linda and Bill Jordan, Paul and Robin DiPietro of West Hartford. Steven and Natalie DiPietro of Berlin, Kevin DiPietro of Floyd, VA; many great grandnieces and great grandnephews; and many good friends from the Sports World and Milwaukee that he loved sharing his life with. John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Aziza & Lona for taking care of John’s needs over the last year. He has left a big hole in many hearts. Rest In Peace. We will all miss you dearly. Funeral services for John will be held Monday (May 17, 2021) 8:30 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM at St. Katherine Drexel Parish at St. Maurice Church, 100 Wightman Rd, New Britain. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com

John "Coach" Castellani

August 23, 1926 - May 11, 2021

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John "Coach" Castellani

August 23, 1926 - May 11, 2021

365 Days of Grief Support

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