Nicholas A. Castruccio

Nicholas A. Castruccio, Captain USN (ret) 96 yr. died peacefully on 7 May 2022 in Santa Monica, California. A native of Los Angeles, born 24 February 1926, the oldest son of Mary Canepa and Constantine Castruccio. He had four siblings: Clotilde Odegaard (deceased), Louise Castruccio (deceased), Constance Ferguson and Louis Castruccio (Jane). He attended Santa Clara University prior to receiving a congressional appointment to the US Naval Academy from California. Nick graduated in June of 1948, a member of the 4th Company. On June 26, 1948, Nick married Anne Arleth of San Marino, CA at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena, CA. Designated a Naval Aviator; he qualified in jets and in early 1950 reported to NAS North Island. As a member of VF-191, he participated in two Korean War deployments on the USS Princeton (CV-37) flying F9F Panther jets. Flight instructor at ATU-200, Catapult and Arresting Gear in USS Valley Forge (CVS-45), Aviation Safety School and Ops officer of VF-81 flying Grumman Cougars was the norm 1953 to 1959. Nick joined the Carrier Suitability Branch of Flight Test following Test Pilot School. His Projects included Automatic Carrier Landing System, Auto Throttle, and Optimum Wind over the Deck. Nick was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Nick joined VA-81 as XO/CO, after Naval War College. In January 1964, he was made a member of the Caterpillar Club after ejecting from his A4E Skyhawk. Air Boss on the USS America (CVA-66) followed, which included the attack on the USS Liberty by Israel. As head of the Attack Aircraft Branch of NAVIR, he left his mark on the S3A. His decision to have the crew eject through canopies and incorporation of command ejection sequence, caused much concern. However, fleet experience validated the decision and the S3 had an excellent safety record. Upon retirement Nick, Anne and family of five daughters and one son moved to St. Croix in 1971. Chief Pilot of Antilles Air Boats, he flew Grumman Amphibians for Capt. Charles Blair and Maureen O’Hara. Anne became a partner in an arts and crafts gallery and was instrumental in giving local artists a start in the art world. In 1976, Anne and Nick participated in the first crossing of the Atlantic by a flying boat (Short Sandringham) in twenty-five years. In later years, Nick help establish Virgin Islands Seaplane Shuttle and in 1984 introduced the turbo prop version of the Grumman Mallard. In his spare time, he taught local youths how to fly through BSA Air Explorer Troop. Many of these youth went on to have successful aviation careers (military & commercial). He was a proud member of Quiet Birdmen and UFO (United Flying Octogenarians). Receiving the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2014 capped off his flying career. Nick’s other passion was sailing. He was instrumental in the development of the St. Croix Yacht Club’s junior sailing program. He instructed Opti beginners all the way to “Big Boat” racing. He volunteered his J30, ANNICK II, to serve as the racing incubator. He served as President of the Virgin Islands Sailing Association. Nick attended Sydney and Athens Summer Olympics as a member of the VI Olympic Team, providing support for the young sailors. Nick and Anne’s greatest accomplishment were their six children: Carolyn Castruccio, St,Croix; Constance Law (Michael),Portsmouth,VA; Nicolette Jelinek (David) Virginia Beach, VA,; Anthony Castruccio (Jane) Pleasanton, CA; Susanne Castruccio; Norfolk, VA. and Cecile Castruccio-DeReu (Douglas), St.Croix. Nick was blessed with fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. The family is eternally grateful for all the help, love and kindness that Mrs. Agatha Louis shared with Nick. She brightened his day. His St. Croix doctors Dr. Dante Galiber, Dr. Michelle Dizon, and Dr. Walter Pedersen who provided first class care and a sympathetic ear to his needs. The family would like to thank UCLA Medical Team Santa Monica for their loving care during Nick’s last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nick’s honor to St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Queen Louise Home at 5168 Hospital St. in Frederiksted, VI, 00840, or a charity of one’s choice. A funeral mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Virginia Beach, VA on June 3, 2022 at 10am. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Norfolk, VA next to his beloved Anne. A memorial celebration in St. Croix to follow at a later date. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.hollomon-brown.com