Ontario: On August 31st, 2024 Thomas Anthony Nicastro passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home following an extended illness. He was 83.
He was born on June 3rd, 1941 to parents Thomas “Tony” Nicastro and Florence Smith in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom spent his younger years in the Cleveland area until he moved to Ontario in his 40’s.
In 1978, after moving to Ontario, Tom opened the Angel Refuge Pet Cemetery. He understood the importance of the bond between man and pet and wanted to provide a space for those in need to grieve and honor their best friends. He poured his love and passion into growing the cemetery as well as helping heal those hearts that were broken from loss and grief. No matter what hardship someone was facing, Tom had the uncanny knack of finding the silver lining and would not hesitate to do anything in his power- even sometimes embarrassing things- to make them laugh. His passion for pets and people not only helped him to start a successful family business from the ground up, but it set him apart from everyone else and allowed him to heal more hearts than he could ever know.
For most of his life Tom was a musician, playing drums for the “Righteous Brothers” as backup and in the band “The Sounds of Three” allowed him to make countless friends through the sound of music. He was also a member of the Mansfield Federation of Music 159 for over 50 years and served as president for two of them. Along with starting Angel Refuge, Tom would count playing a “gig” in front of thousands and never missing a beat as some of his greatest achievements in life.
In his spare time, he enjoyed cheering on the Cleveland Indians, traveling to Las Vegas in his motorhome for vacations, and of course sitting down for a good meal- both home-cooked and fine dining. Above all else though, he loved animals, big or small Tom loved every animal he encountered. His loving nature will be missed by everyone who knew him, including the countless four legged friends he made along the way.
Tom is survived by his sons Nicholas (Rachel) Eaton, Michael Nicastro, former wife Nancy Nicastro, grandchildren Chris Nicastro, Lindsay Mandela, Alyvia (Tyler) Eaton, Bayleigh (Marlin) Eaton, Blake Eaton, and great-granddaughter Everleigh Brokaw.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Mandela, and beloved K-9 companions Barron, Beau, and Maria.
Per Tom’s wishes, the family will be celebrating his life privately and will be buried in Mansfield Memorial Park, not far from Angel Refuge.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Tom’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com