John Castagnaro passed peacefully with his wife Nikki by his side at their winter home in Rotonda West, Florida on April 8, 2025. In his final year, John battled cancer with unwavering resilience, staying vibrant until his final days. He was 69.

Born on July 28, 1955 in Framingham to the late Michael Castagnaro and Dora Fantini, John grew up in Hopedale and Milford, Massachusetts.

As a young boy, John developed a fiercely strong work ethic. In his 20's he founded and ran Castagnaro Building & Remodeling Inc. He became a highly successful builder and land developer in western and central Massachusetts as well as Rhode Island. A shrewd businessman, he also acquired significant real estate holdings throughout the region. John's reputation as an accomplished builder with remarkable talents in design, custom craftsmanship, innovation, organization, and prompt execution continued until his retirement in 2023.

At age 29, John built a beautiful house with stunning lake views on Rattlesnake Island, Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. As one of the early homeowners on this pristine island, John embraced all aspects of lake life and became an expert whom other islanders sought advice from. His deep well of knowledge about the unique challenges and the exquisiteness and charm of island living never ceased to amaze. He pursued all lake endeavors with passion and a humble admiration for nature and wildlife.

The lake home became a magnet for family gatherings where he and Nikki hosted their loved ones, making special memories while boating, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, grilling, building campfires, hiking, and watching fireworks. In recent years, John and Nikki spent considerable time enjoying lake life with their beloved grandchildren who were especially thrilled to ride on their "Papa's" lap while cruising around the lake on his jet ski.

John was a true renaissance man and an intellect with a wide range of interests. He enjoyed all outdoor activities, including boating (he was an expert), fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, and motorcycling. He was a voracious reader who devoured books about history, public policy, economics, jurisprudence, culture, and nature. In his quest to deepen his knowledge of military history, John and his wife embarked on a three day tour of Normandy last summer. The trip was a "bucket list" adventure he pursued with great enthusiasm and earnestness.

Family was front and center for John, a loyal husband, brother, stepfather, uncle and grandfather, he kept his extended family close. In retirement, John made daily FaceTime calls to his cherished grandchildren, staying abreast of every proud milestone.

John is survived by his wife Nikki Hollands who lovingly nursed and supported him throughout his illness. Together they enjoyed 20 years filled with adventure, entrepreneurship, travel, family bonding and close friendships while living in Mendon, MA; Lake Winnipesaukee, NH; and Rotonda West, FL. Most sacred to their marriage were quiet evenings spent together on the deck of their island home where they absorbed the beauty of magnificent lake sunsets.

John also leaves behind his heartbroken stepchildren and grandchildren whom he adored: Kelsey and William Dillon and children Caroline and Lucas (MA); Christian Rogers (MA); and Paige Rogers and daughter Brylee (CT).

John is survived by siblings Paul Castagnaro and wife Ellen (NH), Joseph Castagnaro (FL), and Nina Bernier (MA). He was predeceased by his older brother Michael Castagnaro but remained close with Michael's wife Lacie.

John is also survived by many family members living in England: Mother-in-law Trisha Day; and in-laws Tania and Simon Hicks and Danielle Hollands and Robert Gray.

Surviving nieces and nephews are Sean Damon, Kelly Bernier, Anthony Castagnaro, Brian Castagnaro, Samantha Hicks, and Charlotte Hicks.

Donations in John's memory may be made to the Lakes Region Land Conservation Trust, a nonprofit that works to preserve the natural beauty of the island that brought John so much joy.

Lakes Region Conservation Trust P.O. Box 766 Center Harbor, NH 03226 mailto:Lrct@lrct.org

A traditionalist who loved family and country, John was a man among men. May he rest in peace.