CASTELLO

ERNEST J. "ERNIE"

Age 84, of Prospect, formerly of Hampton Township, passed away Friday, July 31, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.

Born in Pittsburgh on May 6, 1942, he was the son of Ernest and Helen Castello.

Ernie was a self-employed Licensed Master Plumber for 50 years and continued working as a plumber until May 2026. Ernie was well respected for his trade and had many loyal customers. He was also a fantastic traveling plumber any time or place if family needed him. Destinations included Kentucky, Ohio, Louisiana and many Pennsylvania locations.

Ernie was a long-time member, board member and officer at Richland Sportsmen's Club. He was a lifetime hunter and enjoyed many hunting trips to West Monterey, Marienville and Chicora with family and friends. He especially loved hunting with many of his grandsons and ensuring they had their first gun when they were old enough to hunt. Ernie loved watching all Pittsburgh Sports. He loved gardening and spent a great deal of time tending his garden. He loved spending time with his family, especially family picnics and attending his grandchildren's activities and sporting events. Ernie had a great sense of humor, a quick wit and a gift for storytelling. Ernie was a Navy Veteran.

Surviving are his wife, Linda (Smith) Castello, whom he married August 6, 1994; four daughters, and two sons, Lisa (Jeff) England of Ashland, KY, Lori (Kevin) Ripple of Massillon, OH, Jennifer (Michael) Callihan of Chicora, PA, Carla O'Brien of Pittsburgh, Tony (Dena) Valenza of Wexford and Stephen (Tara) Valenza of Palm Harbor, FL; 18 grandchildren: Kevin (Stephannie) England, Ryan, Matthew (Maja) and Elizabeth Ripple, Cory (Makala) and Dalton (Taylor) Callihan, Aidan, Rowan and Morgan O'Brien, Melanie (Alessandro) Martin, Isabella, Hayden, Piper and Anthony Valenza, Alexandra (Michael) Burlett, Tristan and Jada Ivey, Chase Valenza; four great-grandchildren, Nora, Brooks, Lucas and Mazie; one brother, Thomas Castello; one sister, Patricia Castello; one brother-in-law, Jim Smith; and one sister-in-law, Sarah Allen.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Connie, who passed away March 23, 1992; and his brothers, Ronald and Edward Castello

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to KING FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC.. 2841 Woodland Cir., Allison Park, PA 15101. Friends will be welcome from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 6, at the funeral home. A Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 p.m.