- Date Of Birth: July 14, 1932
- Date Of Death: January 18, 2016
- State: West Virginia
Thomas “Al” “Coach” Castellana, age 83, of Clarksburg, entered into eternal rest unexpectedly, at Brookdale of Maplewood, surrounded by his family on January 18, 2016. He was born July 14, 1932; a son of the late Salvatore “Sam” and Ruth Virginia Walker Castellana.
Coach is survived by his three children, Sheila (Castellana) Jenkins & her husband, John of Buckhannon, WV, Sam “Zig” & his wife, Rosemary Castellana of Clarksburg, WV and Ruth Ann Castellana & Fiancé, Jim Shonborn of Indian Shores, Florida; five grandchildren, Joey Jenkins, of Buckhannon. WV, Matt Jenkins of Bridgeport, WV, Andrew Jenkins of Buckhannon, WV, Sam Castellana & his wife, Jamie of Clarksburg, WV, Michele Castellana Hess & her husband, Rick of Fairmont, WV; Two great-grandchildren, Joseph Harvey Castellana and Vincent James Hess; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Spagnuolo of Tampa Florida; and she is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife whom he married on July 9th, 1956, Sara J. “Jeanie” (Brunett) Castellana, whom died on March 6, 2015.
Coach graduated from Saint Mary’s High School and entered West Virginia University with a football scholarship. After two years he then transferred to Salem College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He served as Co-Captain on the Salem football team in 1954. He earned a Master’s degree from West Virginia University.
Coach was first employed in McDowell County at Laeger High School as a teacher, the Head Football Coach and the Head Baseball Coach. After two years he accepted a position in Harrison County as a teacher-coach at Washington Irving High School. He remained there for thirty years. He taught history and coached many sports. He served as Assistant Basketball Coach, Junior Varsity Basketball Coach, Assistant Football Coach, Head Football Coach, Head Track Coach and Vice Principal under Maynard Duckworth for one year, but chose to remain in coaching.
The track teams were outstanding during Coach’s tenure. They won the County Championship yearly, won the State Regional in 1960. Washington Irving served as host school for the Clarksburg Invitational track meet which drew many outstanding schools from Central West Virginia. Washington Irving was always a strong contender and won it once. Coach Castellana loved coaching football, his player, students, and the facility at Washington Irving High School. Washington Irving won the City Championship in 1965 under the coaching of Coach Castellana.
Castellana was one of the Founding Fathers of the “Tony Folio Memorial Scholarship” which for over twenty years has awarded an outstanding student athlete at Notre Dame High School, one thousand dollars.
One of his proudest moments was in the school year 1985-1986 when the West Virginia Department of Education selected Washington Irving as an “Exemplary School.” Coach was a proud member of the Faculty.
Coach Castellana retired in 1987 after thirty-two years of teaching and coaching. He was selected “West Virginia Retired Coach of the Year” in 1997 by the West Virginia Secondary School Coaches Association. He was presented this award at the State Basketball Tournament in Charleston.
Coach was recently honored by having a former student-athlete dedicate a book to him. John McFarlin refers to Coach Castellana as an “Inspirational Rock” that led by example. The title of his book is “The Fundamentals of Getting Better.”
On August 8, 2009, Coach Al Castellana was given a recognition dinner at the Knights of Columbus and was given a Key to the City of Clarksburg by the Mayor, for all of his accomplishments and for being an outstanding citizen. Castellana was a member of the Harrison County Association of Retired School Employees. He was a lifetime member of The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he was an active member of the Immaculate Conception men’s group. He was also a member of the WVIHF Honorary Council. As a youth, he served as an altar boy. He was elected to serve on the Parish Council. After a time he resigned because of ill health.
Coach was loved by all. He touched many lives. Everyone that knew Coach Castellana loved him. He was kind, loving, patient and compassionate.
Cemetery Details Holy Cross Cemetery Marshall Street
Clarksburg, WV, 26301
