Canfield - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio Jr. as celebrant, preceded by a 9:00 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for Michael "Castor" Castronova, 77, of Canfield, who passed away on Thursday, July 24 2014 after a long battle with cancer with his loving family by his side. Michael will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his outgoing personality and big smile. He was born September 7, 1936 in Youngstown the son of John and Philomena (Troiani) Castronova and was proud to have grown up in Smokey Hollow. Michael was a 1954 graduate of The Rayen High School and attended The Ohio State University until he entered the United States Army. He served during the Korean War and earned the rank of E-4 and received the following decorations: Good Conduct Medal, the Marksman Medal, and the 2d Class Artilleryman Badge w/Component Bar Missile. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 34 years as a postal clerk and upon retirement was employed with McDonald School System as a bus driver for several years. Michael was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica and was a past officer for the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. He was a proud lifetime member of the YMCA where he excelled in handball and racquetball. Michael was a Golden Gloves Champion and an avid golfer along with being a talented jazz musician. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of over 56 years the former Anita Pauline whom he married on December 28, 1957, four sons Patrick (Vicki) Castronova of Austintown, Michael Castronova of Youngstown, Anthony (Becky) Castronova of Lima, Dante (Jennifer) Castronova of Canfield, three daughters Judy Castronova of Poland, Jody (Carmen) Cicero of Niles and Dini (Vince) Ricchiuti of Poland, and twelve grandchildren John (Kelly), David, Carly, CJ, Michael-Vincent, Zach, Caitlin, Giuliana, Antonio, Emma, Sam and Sofia. He soon would have been the great grandfather of twins. Michael also leaves a sister Marie (Gabe) Appugliese of Youngstown, a sister-in-law Viola Castor of Girard along with countless other family members, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. Besides his parents Michael was preceded in death by a brother John Castor and two nephews John "Rocky" Castor and Michael Appugliese. Friends may call on Sunday July 27, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com. to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Castronova family. In lieu of flowers material contributions may be made in Michael's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St. Boardman, Ohio 44512.