Casto J. De Biasi

Casto Joseph DeBiasi, nearly 99, of Shepherdstown WV (formerly of Centreville, VA) passed from this life peacefully on January 23rd, 2020, at home, in the presence of his family.
A one-of- a- kind individual, he loved life and was beloved by many, remaining fully engaged in family and world events throughout his long and interesting life. He was born in New York City on January 25, 1921 as the son of Italian immigrants.
He was a talented painter in high school, garnering the attention of NYC Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who selected his paintings for his office. Despite the offer of an art scholarship in Europe, he pursued a degree in engineering, temporarily interrupted by service in the Army in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Following Honorable Discharge, he completed his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York University in 1949. He was employed in the Corps of Engineers in upstate New York, and later in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
He met his wife of 58 years, Emily (DiPaolo), on the golf course after destiny placed them in the same foursome, soon followed by dancing and their wedding in 1961. They relocated to Northern Virginia in 1966.
After his retirement from 35 years of government service, he was a legendary volunteer at Twin Lakes Golf course for over 20 years, and was honored at the age of 92 as the Fairfax County Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Year.
Casto had many hobbies including golf, horse races, astronomy, painting, sailing, camping, cross-country travel, Broadway musicals, dancing, and all types of music (from opera to country).
He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9274, the American Legion Post 0177, and a parishioner at St. Agnes (and previously St. Timothy) Catholic Church.
He is survived by his son James DeBiasi of Lititz, PA, daughter and son-in-law Roberta DeBiasi Cucuzzella and Mark Cucuzzella of Shepherdstown, WV, and 5 grandchildren (Leo and Lily Cucuzzella; Mary Elizabeth, Teresa and James Michael DeBiasi), as well as numerous extended family in NY, NJ, PA, CO, and CT. He was preceded in death by his sister Rose DeBiasi, and parents James and Irene DeBiasi. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Panhandle and the Shepherdstown Fire Department.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 106 S. Duke St., Shepherdstown, WV on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM with Reverend Father T. Mathew Rowgh officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Shepherdstown.
Family and friends will be received at the church one hour prior.
Online condolences can be made at www.rsthvn.com.