Timothy M. "Timmy" Castello, Jr.

Timothy Mark Castello, Jr. was born on May 21, 1992 and left us all for peace of mind and a cooler in the sky this past Wednesday. For those adding up the years, you can stop short: “too soon.” As one who enjoys writing, I offered ‘of course’ when asked to write a few words for a tribute to my cousin, yet I’ve never struggled to put words to paper as I did in this instance.

Which is ironic, because Tim was one of the wittiest fellas I’ve ever had the delight of knowing. He was clever, and wise, and thoughtful. He was easy-going and compassionate towards others, and he was kind and welcoming towards all. He was so, so full of life.

I think that’s one of the reasons I gravitated towards Timmy. I knew I was in for a good time, and I’m positive others enjoyed spending time with him for that very reason. Whether you were getting together with Timmy to strum the guitar, or to road trip, or to share a brew, or to enjoy a concert, or to go to a ballgame, or just sit around for a family gathering, all that mattered was that you were going to enjoy yourself. Even his conversations were worthwhile in themselves.

Case in point -- these last few years, we had taken to texting more and more and he convinced me to alter my best man speech for my brother’s wedding to include a couple Mike Tomlin references. He was that charismatic.

One of the toughest things to witness these last few months was his body taking over, because it was always his mind and spirit that sold you on the Timbo experience. Perhaps no one got to partake in that experience more so these last six and half years than his impeccable fiancee, Maria. We all gained an angel this week, but it’s cool knowing Timmy had found his angel way earlier.

In his moving on, Timmy leaves behind much sadness. Hard not to when you had in your corner 22 aunts and uncles, 42 cousins and cousins’ kids, the love-of-his-life in Maria, a fantastically amazing big sister in Anne, a terrific brother-in-law in Dave, and his remarkably loving parents in Tim and Judy. Plus there are the countless others he touched through his growing up in Pittsburgh, his college adventures in Murfreesboro, his working in Nashville (the two collectively dubbed the Southland as he liked to say), and this last year the medical personnel who helped him fight cancer so passionately.

The pastor of my church uses the phrase “beautiful” quite frequently, and Timmy leaving us this week is beautiful in one sense--it’s Easter weekend. This entire weekend is about the Resurrection and Jesus ascending to Heaven. I am so pleased for my cousin that he no longer has to battle cancer. I am so pleased that he no longer has to deal with the aches and the pains and the frustrations and the weariness. I’m incredibly sad, but also so pleased that Timmy is no longer in pain. Not to mention there’s the beautiful reunions he achieves with his Nanny, his Pap, his Grandma Loretta, his Pap Pap, and his cousin Bethany. That band need not worry about what instruments they’ll play because sing, drum, or guitar--Timmy can do it all.

I’m certainly going to miss my cousin greatly and I can’t help but think of something Andy Bernard, of Dunder Mifflin fame, once said: “I wish there was a way to know you're in 'the good old days' before you've actually left them.” I’m really feeling that these last few days and I believe many others are feeling this way too after losing our son, brother, cousin, nephew, fiancee, and friend.

Written by Timmy’s cousin Matthew Castello

Timothy M. Castello, Jr.  "Timmy" age 27, of Carnegie, on Wednesday April 8, 2020, passed away peacefully, following a courageous battle with cancer.  Loving son of Tim and Judy Castello; beloved fiance of Maria Yalch; dear brother of Annie and Dave Beck.  Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and two nieces.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation at this time.  A celebration of Timmy's life and a Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by Henney, Bradwell & Nirella Funeral Home, 524 Washington Ave., Carnegie. 
 

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