Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God rest your soul, Trooper Castellano. May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.

Investigator Christopher Port (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol, Valley Div. MAIT

November 29, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 6, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace on this your 10 anniversary in heaven. God bless you

Mark Mottola

June 6, 2020

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

October 6, 2018

Rest well my brother. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Watch over your family and co-workers from a better place.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

June 6, 2017

Mark, your mom, and your family,
Although I have never met you in this life, I feel a connection to you. About a year and a half ago I met your mom in Brick as I saw her parked, and we talked about your loss and I told her how I only made it up to week 5 in the NJ DOC Academy down in Sea Girt, and we reflected on life, loss and law enforcement. She gave me some information on the "move over" program and some 6397 stickers. It was a nice moment in my life, but it doesn't end there. Last June of 2015 my step-son received a scholorship in your name, for college from his High School, Jackson Memorial. Thought that was great, but again the story doesn't end there. At 47 years old and not wanting to give up on law enforcement, I got an invitation of employment for the NEW JERSEY JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMISSION. So as the academy started in March 2016, we lined up in the state police gym for P/T the third of the academy. As the drill instructors lined us up along the walls of the gym, I found myself standing under your picture. So for the 12 weeks, with 2 more to go..... Every morning for the past 3 months I've been lined up under your picture for P/T and D/T, and every morning I said a prayer for you and your family, and you for strength to get through P/T and D/T. With 2 weeks left of the academy I couldn't imagine not finishing, and I owe a lot of it to you. I hope this didn't hurt the feelings of family, friends, and LEO's, but I wanted to share this story, because of the strength I found every morning in the state police gym, looking up at Mark's pictures as well as all the fallen state troopers

Recruit, Thomas
New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission

June 11, 2016

My names is James and I am the grandson of a fallen officer, killed in the line of duty with the NYPD. I am also a 22 year Veteran of both the Marine Corps (6 years) and the Army (16 years) all of which was spent in an Infantry billet. How this pertains to Marc comes from that life. After several combat tours to Afghanistan, and Iraq and duty in the Balkans, I have seen my share of violence and death. I came close to the latter after my vehicle hit a roadside bomb, and I was wounded and out of action. I came in contact with NJSP's Troopers Asssisting Troops who help Veterans with a wide range of volunteers. They all voted to provide me with funding for a service dog. To pay homeage to them personally as well as all NJ Troopers, I am requesting the dog be named Marco, so that Trooper Castellano's legacy carries on.
RIP

SSG Brereton
US Military (ret.)

June 12, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 6, 2015

RIP

Detective Dennis Pothos
Fort Lee, NJ Police Department

May 30, 2015

Jon and I will never ever forget the day we were painting our new house in the hallway when he got the call. I couldn't understand one word out of his mouth but a tear ran down and just said Marc and literally sped dangerously to wherever he was. I think Jon knew and then at some point I did too but it just didn't seem real. I can't write the amount of emotions I had let alone Jon but Marc was truly an inspiration to everyone

Girlfriend of a trooper close to Marc
Jon's girlfriend

July 16, 2014

Sorry to bother anyone but is there any way to donate to is wife and those kids. And how can I buy stickers to never forget him thank you so much

Girlfriend of a trooper close to Marc
Same

July 16, 2014

Marc, as time passes in your absence, our love for you only continues to grow.

I can still remember seeing you come into Gian's bakery regularly to see Stephanie all googly eyed. I still laugh after many visits, I pulled you to side and told you to "buck up" and just ask her out.
She really loved you from the moment you first met and talked about you all the time..

May God Bless you and all that were blessed to know and love you!

Don Morgan & Family

None
Co-Worker & Friend

September 6, 2013

I can't believe it's been three years. We weren't close, but I miss you anyway. Your family have my prayers each day since..

Leigh Ann
a classmate

June 6, 2013

On May 15th the flags at Millstone Township New Jersey's Veterans Memorial will be flown at half staff in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day. It was on Memorial Day 2010 when I first met Marc, as he and other State Troopers from Hamilton NJ Barracks provided support four our town's annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The requested mission objective of the troopers was to provide for "safety and security of the public." During the ceremony Marc stood at attention nearby where the rifle salute was given and "Taps" was played. It would be just a week later that Marc would lose his life while fullfilling that same mission objective, providing safety and security of the public, although under different and more dangerous circumstances.. Marc is in my thoughts each time we lower the flags to half staff in honor of all those who've made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. My prayers go out to Marc's family this Peace Officers Memorial Day. May Marc rest in eternal peace.

NJ State Commander, Richard D. Brody
Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. & The Veterans Coalition

May 13, 2013

Well, now that I am a graduated Trooper Youth..the next big step is the real academy. I love you Marc and always will. You've shown me by just living your life how to be a respectful young man. All the success that I have brought myself in the past week was all related back to you and the fact that you were in my mind and my heart when I pushed myself to be the best I could be around your brothers (fellow troopers). I miss you more than anything and will make you proud. Love, Bud.

Trooper Youth Polihrom

July 27, 2012

I happened to be at a Pride Festival in Asbury Park last weekend (June 10) and picked a bracelet out of about a dozen or more. My chance/luck, I picked Trooper Castelano's up. I live in Pennsylvania but was born and raised in NJ. My son in law is a police officer in NJ and I worry about him all the time being on the job. I pray for Trooper Castelano's family that they have the support of those around them to handle this very unjust loss of life.

Susan Rhoades, citizen
None, just a concerned citizen

June 13, 2012

. Your heroism and service is honored today, the second anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing thier memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 6, 2012

Rest in Peace Trooper Castellano...Never Forgotten

Civilian
Supporter

June 6, 2012

You and your family are still in our thoughts and prayers daily. God Bless

NJ Police Wife

June 6, 2012

Your mother has come to my school today and has talked about you.You were such a bright kid with a bright future.Your wife and kids are very happy of what you have done.Knowing that you had a great family surrounding you was awesome even though you are gone you never left their hearts and you have left them something to smile about.Your mother is a very intelligent women.She has made me cry with the speech she gave about you.They will never forget the things you did,but it kills them that your are gone and many people that knew you were lucky.I just wish you haven't left them the way they talked about you,your were diamonds in their hands.You still are.Even though you didn't deserve to go things happen.Thank you for everything you have done and R.I.P and God bless your family.

Unknown
a neighborhood friend :)

March 23, 2012

Marc, I haven't wrote on this in awhile...maybe since your passing so I figured I would. It's been about a year and a half now since your passing and I just wish everyday I could see your smiling face like the good old times. Ever since I can remember you were in a happy mood, everyday all day. The only thing I think about now in life is to be exactly like you, which was striving to be the best and I just think about all the time I've spent with you and it was the best. Things have changed, but I promise nothing will stop me from what I know you want me and expect of me to achieve. There is not one thing that will stop me from reaching the goals you talked about during the medium experience. Everyday or whenever I hear about any state trooper, listen to the bagpipes, see an officer, see your sticker, see shirts, or look at my tattoo or Vincent Or Julianna...the things that go through my mind are just amazing. The fact that you were who you were blows my mind away past even anything. I miss you more than anything and would do anything for you to be back with us all here. I can tell you that everyone misses you so much and just because your gone doesn't mean people dont think about you. You're on my mind everyday and there isn't a day when i don't think about you. I really hope you read this and if you do, let me know...because I know you will. Well, that's basically all I had to say and I love and miss you Marcy..nothing will ever be the same but its just an inspiration to what you always want people to strive for. Thank you for being in my life and always there for me whether it was when I cut my arm on the flagpole and you did it too to make me feel better or anything you have ever done for me. Never will you be forgotten, always will you be in my heart. Rest in easiest peace Marcy, and I always know you'll be looking out for me and on my shoulders when i need to be directed. I love you, Love Bud

Bud

November 1, 2011

You and your family are in my prayers. You are thought of often and will never be forgotten...God Bless.

Wife of a NJ police Officer

June 8, 2011

A year ago we lost an outstanding Trooper and an amazing person. RIP Marc

Trooper
NJSP

June 6, 2011

To Trooper Marc Castellano, his family and his fellow officers with the New Jersey State Police:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Trooper Castellano’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Trooper Castellano and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

June 6, 2011

I had the privilege of working briefly with Trooper Castellano during an investigation. He was the consummate professional, eager to help a brother in law enforcement, and a genuinely nice guy. I'm sorry that I didn't have the chance to know him better and that others won't have the chance to meet this hero.

Marc, I went to the state memorial service today to honor you and your service. Your hard work and professionalism meant more than you'll ever know and created a debt that I'll never be able to repay. Rest soundly, my brother. I'll see you on the high ground.

Special Agent Brian Hayes
FBI Newark Division

May 24, 2011