Stephen A. Nicastro

Troy - Stephen A. Nicastro, of the Beechwood Retirement Community, died at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, NY on July 2, 2015. He was 102 years old. Born in NYC, he was the son of the late Stefano Nicastro and Josephine DiLeo Nicastro and husband of 59 years to the late Margaret Ellen Nicastro who died in 1995, and devoted companion of 10 years to the late Elizabeth (Betty) Strang who died in 2007.

He attended The Vocational School for Boys in NYC studying industrial art. His studies followed the Renaissance apprentice approach. Steve also studied under Giuseppe Trotta, a portrait artist, for 3 years.  His career in art began at the Four Arts Studio in NYC as an apprentice and afterwards worked as a professional artist for numerous publishing houses and advertising agencies including Charles M. Storm, Kudner Agency, Robert Zeidman, an industrial designer, Bryon Houston, Geiger Publishing Co, and Lily-Tulip Cup Corp. to name a few.  His career in commercial art included lettering, mechanical art, newspaper and magazine advertising and poster and packaging design.  He created beautifully detailed paintings in watercolor, oil, and charcoal since 1932, and has done numerous pencil portraits of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a great love of photography as well. He enjoyed working with wood and refinished many beautiful pieces of antique furniture. He loved nature and walked gently on the earth having a profound respect for it.  

Longing for the beauty of the county and quieter pace, he purchased a summer camp in the Hamlet of Red Rock in Columbia County, NY in 1957 and eventually left NYC permanently and purchased a home in Canaan, NY in 1966 where he did free lance work for a number of years for Ron T. Blass, of Old Chatham, Winard of Pittsfield, Edwin Irwin of Spencertown, Wolf Kirkman of Albany, Chatham Specialties Mfg. Co., and Barlow and Galleon agencies. 

Even though Stephen never knew the love and guidance of his own father who died before he was born, he was a most extraordinary man.  The legacy of his art and photography will be cherished by his family and future descendants.  He will be greatly missed and remembered for his integrity, exceptional talent, compassion, loyalty, generosity and devotion to family and friends.  Beloved father of, Stephen J. Nicastro and his wife Lucy, of Palm Coast, Florida and Ellen J. Davidson and her husband John E. from the Town of Brunswick, NY. Proud grandfather of James Nicastro (Cathy), Stephen Nicastro (Lizette), Christine Hoyle (Andrew), John Davidson, (Stacey) and James Davidson (Annette). Also survived by ten great-grandchildren, Maddox Nicastro, Daniel Nicastro, Christian Nicastro, Ryan Hoyle, Lauren Hoyle, Zachary Charette (Amy), Jeremy Davidson, Sarah Davidson, Cole Davidson, and Luke Davidson. Great-great-grandfather of Jason Charette. Predeceased by his brother, Nicolas Nicastro, and sister, Rose Palumbo. Survived by his dearest sister, Caroline Cattoni of Gardnerville, Nevada and several nieces and nephews, as well as his much loved second families, the Glasheens and Strangs. He will live on in the hearts of each and every one of us.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Monday, July 6, 2015 from 4-7 PM.   

Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 9:30 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Randall Patterson , officiating.

Interment will be in  Oakwood Cemetery Troy.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff on 5 North at Samaritan Hospital for the comfort and care provided to my Dad, and to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County for their compassion and services during this difficult time. A heartfelt thank you to Amanda and her angels, (Deana, did you buy those shoes yet?) for their loving care of Stephen these past few months and to the residents and staff at Beechwood for their friendship and support. And to Dr. Leslie S. Goldstein for your guidance through this journey with my father. You will never be forgotten.

Those who wish may make a contribution to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144 in Stephen’s memory.  

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