Judith Castelluccio

Judy Castelluccio 71 years old passed away on November 23, 2024.

Judith Ellen Connolly was born 9/13/1953 to Ella May Ische Connolly and Vincent Jerome Connolly, both deceased. Judy grew up in Babylon on Long Island, New York. She always described her childhood as idyllic. Judy distinguished herself in high school as a cheerleader, class president, and Girl’s State representative.
Judy received a BS in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta in 1975. Her dietetic internship at Hines VA Medical Center in Maywood, IL 1975-1976, ushered in her 36-year career for the Department of VA, 31 of those years in NYC and surrounding areas. She had a rewarding dietetic career of increasing responsibility at a total of 7 VA medical centers until retirement from the Durham, NC VAMC in January 2012.

Judy received numerous memorious awards and acclaim for her leadership in establishing a number of ground-breaking advances in the department and beyond. She chose not to seek advancement at the sacrifice of an optimal work/life balance; however, she served as a mentor and coach for a VA Leadership Development Program.

A Margaret Mead quote Judy kept on her desk throughout her VA career tells it all: “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
After retirement, Judy and Joe settled into their log home on 23 acres in Providence, NC and enjoyed a peaceful and active life of volunteer involvement in community, healthcare, fraternal and service organizations. Happily, their daughter Dina followed them from NY and her 2 boys, Joseph and Nicholas, have been an ongoing source of joy.

Judy loved people and maintained many close relationships over decades including those with people from her hometown, college, all of her VA locations and near her NC home. She has been described as a person who could light up the room, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of more than 30 years, Joseph Anthony Castelluccio, her beloved stepdaughter, Dina Marie Mayhew, and grandsons Joseph and Nicholas Mayhew. Three siblings: Mark Connolly of Blue Hill, ME, Laura Pfaffe (husband Al Pfaffe) of West Islip, NY, Virginia Brown (husband Tim Brown) of North Miami, FL. Two first cousins: Gwenette Kangis of Providence, RI and Merrette Ische of Auburn, AL. Nieces and nephews and their families: Tanya Carborne, Alyson Pfaffe, Mindy Hovanec, Tyson Pfaffe, Kelsey Brown, and Mallory Brown and as well as countless dearly beloved friends throughout the country.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Castelluccio family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.