Rose Castaldi
To view the live stream of the Mass of Christian Burial for Rose, please click here. This live stream will begin at 10:55 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025.
Rose Formica Castaldi, 93, of Downingtown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael Anthony Castaldi, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2017.
Born in Downingtown, she was the eldest child of Italian immigrant parents, the late Nicola and Angelina Midili Formica.
At the age of 14, her mother passed away suddenly and young Rose stepped up and took upon herself the role of a loving mother, with the guidance of her “other mothers” – raising her two younger brothers, taking care of her father and the household, all the while maintaining straight A’s in school.
She prided herself in being a “professional domestic engineer with a degree in BS”. Because of her many years of experience, she was an excellent housekeeper and cook; no one ever walked away from her house hungry.
She always made everyone feel welcomed and important. She treated everyone with kindness whether you were family, a long-time friend, or a total stranger. She made individuals feel special with her unique ability to remember personal details and dates, especially birthdays. The happiness of others was most important to her throughout her life, and she especially enjoyed bringing a smile to a face with her beautiful and entertaining sense of humor.
St. Anthony’s Women’s Auxiliary and the Saint Joseph’s Prime Timers enjoyed her talents as a recording secretary for many years. She always dispersed witty humor throughout her minute’s reports. The highlight of the annual Castaldi Family Reunion picnic was Aunt Rose’s reading of the minutes of the past year’s family events and accomplishments, once again glittered with her lighthearted humor.
Her strong faith and devotion to the rosary and Our Lady carried her through the many trials she endured during her life. As a lifelong member of St. Joe’s, she attended daily mass for many years, until she was no longer able to drive, at which time she watched mass daily on EWTN.
Her meatballs were unparalleled, undoubtedly due to the love and prayers she rolled into each one. As anyone who has made meatballs with “Nonni” knows, you need to say an “Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory be” as you roll each one.
Rose is survived by her three children, Joseph M. Castaldi (Beth), Angela C. McGinley (John) and Maria C. McLaughlin (Joe). She is also survived by six grandchildren, Dana C. Sherry (Bob), Maren R. Maguire (John), Lauren C. Stutzman (Rob), David McGinley, Mark McGinley and Courtney Castaldi; and by five great grandchildren, Taylor Sherry, Theresa, John and Lucia Maguire and William Stutzman.
She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Katie Castaldi; a great grandson, Robert Sherry, III, and by two brothers, Nick Formica and Anthony “Ninny” Formica.
An evening viewing will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown.
A morning viewing will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 9:45-10:45 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. all at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown.
Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Downingtown or Strike-Outs for Katie.
“When God gives you the gift of gab, you have to use it” – Rose F. Castaldi, one of the outlaws.