Larry Jim Castelli

Larry Jim Castelli passed away on March 7th, 2018, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Larry was born in San Francisco in 1945 to Connie and Mondo Castelli, and grew up on London Street with his parents and brothers, Bob and Tom. Larry joined the Navy and served throughout Asia for 2 years. Following his Navy service, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Kathy, moved to Petaluma and then Sonoma, where they raised their family, children Brian, Dawn, and Dean.  Larry worked for the Department of Defense at Mare Island as a project manager for NAVALEX, retiring in 1994.

Larry had the fortune of having two loves of his life. His first wife, Kathy, passed away in 1994.  He then met, courted, and later married Annie Falandes, with whom he shared, laughs, world travels, and a steady supply of adventures.

Larry loved new things and new challenges. He was a volunteer firefighter for Schell-Vista Fire Department for 20 years.  He was an accomplished home winemaker. He traveled and fished throughout the US and Mexico. He rode his motorcycles all over the country.  He loved a fine meal, gathering with friends and family, trout fishing, watching and encouraging the antics of his grandchildren, and a hot blackjack table.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s over two decades ago, Larry continued through life, never letting his diagnosis deter him in the least, and he was immensely proud of having ridden his bike in the Tour De Fox Parkinson’s fundraiser last summer.

Larry is survived by his wife Annie, brother Tom, children Brian (Jill), Dawn, and Dean (Amber), along with grandkids Serafina, Giovanni, Marcello, Makena, Madelyn, Brady, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

There will be a memorial gathering March 24th between 12pm and 4pm at The Reel, 401 Grove Street in Sonoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or Hospice by the Bay-Sonoma.

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