Nathanial Castello

Nathanial Addington Castello entered this world the morning of March 7, 1978, at Presbyterian Hospital Downtown Albuquerque, a hospital under reconstruction with two young, naive parents arriving with great urgency. There being literally no room at the inn, with all hospital accommodations and closets full, Nathan being undeterred, shortly announced himself, blessing Tom and Brenda Castello with their first of three sons. That was the first in a lifetime of indelible memories with Nathan as God's Gift to his grateful parents.

Nathan held the spotlight as the only child until twin brothers arrived the day before his 9th birthday. Not quite understanding how Colin and Max were birthday presents for him, he, nonetheless, welcomed them home and proceeded over the next 38 years to teach them the important things that they needed to learn only from their big brother. Some of those important things have yet to be shared outside the brotherly conclave. Their brotherly relationships were strong and resolute, challenged at times, but steadfast in the foundational Castello family bond that survived, and would continue to survive, any worldly obstacle. For years, summers were spent at Conchas Lake or Elephant Butte with boating and water sports with family, friends, cousins, aunts and uncles. Weekends were for Nathan's soccer games and tournaments, Colin and Max's sports activities and family cookouts.

Nathan recognized very early in life that his physical strength and abilities differentiated him. Being a 5 year old AYSO soccer goalie and kicker was a natural for him. He became a force to reckon with as he developed a statewide reputation through competitive soccer leagues and as a high school United States Olympic Development Team member. Kicking from the goalie box across the field to the opposing goal was an expected performance for Nathan, a skill he was looking forward to teaching his nephew, Maverick Castello. He was rendered a regional star at six foot six, in post-adult soccer league play, while the NFL special teams took notice of "that leg" as a kicker. Graduating from the Ann Arbor Michigan Fire Academy, his physicality was applauded by the Fire Chief and his fellow firefighters in their intense training as first responders.

Nathan grew up in the family business, PCNM Woodworks, working with his dad as early as a kindergartener. From learning to sweep floors, to sand doors, to selling and marketing custom dovetail drawers, the family business was his career. His social skills and story-telling abilities developed longtime clients, vendors and friends.

About this time, Nathan met the true love of his life, Kristi Marie Maley. Nathan and Kristi, were each other's betrothed, beloved and life partner for over 15 years. Perfectly suited in part as the fun-loving, sports experts and enthusiasts that they were, NFL Sundays could be heard from their living room across Albuquerque's Northeast Heights as statistics were studied and leveled against the opposing team. Kristi's family, the Maleys, all equally as sports enthused albeit on different teams than Nathan, not only welcomed him into their family, they embraced him seemingly almost as another son or brother. Nathan loved and respected the Maley family as an extension of his own family. They enjoyed many luxury family vacations and holidays together, including enviable stadium seats to watch the Patriots and Broncos play. Nathan loved being a role model to "little Maxx" and Owen, investing in ensuring that they knew that he had an uncle in whom they could confide and befriend.

As far as Nathan's lifelong devotion to the NFL Patriots and Manchester United, they have lost one of their most loyal and dedicated fans. Perhaps we shall witness future special assistance plays that elevate these teams to a winning status, plays that could only be explainable as a wink from Nathan.

While Nathan was exceptionally handsome and presented himself each day in his well-groomed style, his persona was humble, sweet and gentle. To a person he is coined "the Gentle Giant" and is beloved by his many and varied friends of all walks of life spread across the country. Nathan was a patriot through and through, loved his country and what it stood for, was fluent in local and national issues and politics; and, keeping true to his nature, he did not disrespect another if they held opposing views.

Nathan was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the Lutheran faith as a young boy. God in His grace and mercy touched Nathan again later in life, our reassurance of where he now rests. Nathan's body betrayed him on March 6, 2025. We choose to transform this unfathomable heartbreak and loss into a celebration of the reunion of Nathan to Jesus. A memorial service and celebration of Nathan's life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Mountainside Church of Christ located at 12300 Indian School Road NE. For those who cannot attend in person, live streaming begins at 1:45 pm and is available through this link: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainsidechurchofchrist4077/streams. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers in memory of Nathan.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Kristi Castello; parents, Tom and Brenda Castello; his brothers, Colin Castello, and Max Castello; sister-in-law, Hannah Castello; father- and mother-in-law, Tom and Vicki Maley; sister-in-law Shannon Prendergast, brothers-in-law Ryan Maley and Pat Prendergast; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.