George Reid Castronova

George Reid Castronova, 78, passed away on September 6, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and the unmistakable presence of a man who genuinely enjoyed people.

George was born on August 29, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Giacamo and Eunice Becker Castronova. The second of four sons, George grew up alongside his brothers, John, Richard, and James, and carried with him throughout life some of that unmistakable New York personality—friendly, outgoing, quick with a joke, and always ready for a good conversation.

Through the years, George worked in several different fields, but eventually discovered that sales suited him perfectly. He spent time selling automobiles before finding his niche in the construction industry. For the final fifteen years of his career, George worked in sales involving waterproofing, pavers, concrete, and other construction services.

Sales came naturally to George because people simply liked him. He could talk to just about anyone and had a way of putting people at ease. Yet what truly set him apart was his honesty. George wasn't interested in being someone he wasn't simply to make a sale. He treated people fairly, spoke plainly, and built relationships on trust. That combination of personality and integrity served him well throughout his career and reflected the kind of man he was away from work, too.

And if there was one subject guaranteed to get George's attention, it was the New York Yankees.

George wasn't merely a casual fan—he was a die-hard Yankees fan. When the Yankees were playing, everything else could wait. The game was going to be on, and George was going to be watching. Period.

His love of sports went well beyond baseball. Over the years, George and his longtime partner, Denise Valletutti, shared many memorable outings together, attending Yankees games as well as games featuring the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. Those weren't simply sporting events; they became part of the life and memories they shared together.

When he wasn't watching sports, George enjoyed settling in with a good television show, particularly anything involving mystery or suspense. He also appreciated a good game of cards, especially when it meant spending time around people he enjoyed.

That was George. He enjoyed life, but more importantly, he enjoyed the people in it.

He loved joking around with family and friends, and there was rarely a shortage of laughter when George was nearby. Beneath that sense of humor, however, was an exceptionally generous heart. Those who knew him describe George simply as a genuinely good person—the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.

There are people we remember because of what they accomplished, and there are others we remember because of how they made us feel. George will be remembered for both, but perhaps especially for the latter. He was friendly. He was honest. He was likable. He could make you laugh. And when someone needed him, he cared.

George is survived by his partner, Denise Valletutti; his daughter, Linda Draper and husband, Scott; and his granddaughters, Nicole Draper, Samantha Draper, Katie Draper, Emily Draper, and Anna Castronova.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Giacamo and Eunice Becker Castronova, and his son, Joseph Castronova.

A funeral service honoring George's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in George's memory to one of his favorite charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, at stjude.org.

For those who knew and loved George, there will undoubtedly be moments in the days ahead when something brings him immediately to mind—a Yankees game on television, a deck of cards on the table, a suspenseful show, or simply a joke that would have made him laugh.

And perhaps those moments will bring a smile.

Because while George's absence will certainly be felt, so will the many things he leaves behind: the laughter he shared, the kindness he showed, the memories he made, and the love he gave so freely.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of George Castronova.