Anthony Castrenze, Sr.

Anthony Joseph Castrenze, Sr., 89, formerly of North Miami, passed away May 8, 2026.  Born in Egg Harbor, NJ to Joseph and Jenny Castrenze, nee Rose.  Pre-deceased by wife Joan; brothers Joe and Charlie.  Survived by daughter Pamela; sons Anthony "Tony", Jr. and Larry; grandchildren Alyn, Rachel, Jessica, Paul, Anthony, Joanna, Jeremiah and Josh and great grandchildren Damian, Mykah, Aidan, Liam, Ivy, Claire, Mac, Hailey and Ellijah.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy. He was a longtime member of the Ives Estates Optimist Club, where he coached baseball and enjoyed being involved with the young people in his community. He was also a proud member of AMVETS. After many years of hard work, he retired from National Linen Service.

Tony’s childhood was not an easy one. After his father left when Tony, Joe, and Charlie were young, he was raised primarily by his grandmother. His mother owned a diner in Maryland, and for a time, Tony experienced the hardships of living on the streets while his brothers were placed in foster care. He would often share stories from those days, including memories of picking chickens for a nickel.  Despite the challenges he faced growing up without a father figure, Tony was determined to provide his own children with the guidance and work ethic he had learned through his experiences. He was a firm believer in hard work and rarely let us spend too much time watching television when there were chores to be done.

Family, friends, and community were at the heart of his life. He and his wife Joan always kept their home open to family and friends, and for several years, their home was the gathering place for Christmas breakfast, welcoming family and neighbors together to celebrate the holiday.

He cherished making memories with his children and family. He took his children to Baltimore Orioles spring training games when they were young, as well as to Miami Dolphins football games. The family spent many summers camping together, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He was always there to support his children in whatever they pursued. They could always count on seeing their dad in the stands when playing sports. His love and support never wavered. He even traveled to Georgia to watch Larry referee a football game.

He loved the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed being at Lake Okeechobee, fishing, playing cards with his Friday night group, and spending time with friends. He could often be found sitting on the front porch with a beer in hand, reading the newspaper and talking with the neighbors. He loved having people around and never minded a little company.

Even after his children grew up and left home, they always knew they had a place with their parents. Visits home were filled with the familiar comforts of family—and, if they went swimming in the pool, they could always count on being asked to clean it while they were at it.

Family dinner was important to mom and dad. They made sure the family sat down together for dinner, no matter what time everyone could be together. Those moments of togetherness reflected what mattered most to him: family, hard work, and being there for one another.

Tony had a strong work ethic, a quality he passed on to his children. His family will always carry with them the lessons he taught through the way he lived: work hard, show up for the people you love, enjoy the simple things, and always make time for family and friends.

Tony was a good dad. He did his best to give his children the love, guidance, discipline, and work ethic that he had not had the opportunity to receive from a father of his own. Though his childhood was difficult, he used those experiences to shape the kind of father he wanted to be—and his lessons and love have remained with his children throughout their lives.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial gathering will be Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11:00am - 1:00pm with military honors and service beginning at 12:00noon all at Landmark Funeral Home.