Paolo Richard Castellano, aged 56, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on October 16, 2023. Paolo was born on February 4, 1967, in New York, NY, and grew up in Chicago. Paolo is survived by his devoted spouse, Hilary Cooperman, their cherished children, Giancarlo and Tessla Castellano, his mother, Linda Castellano, and his sister, Nicole Castellano (Michael Lynch). He was preceded in death by his father, Bruno Castellano.
Paolo was a remarkable man whose life was defined by his passion, authenticity, fearlessness and unwavering love for his family. He lived a life unapologetically true to himself.
Paolo was an Illinois State Scholar in high school and graduated from the University of Chicago in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Paolo was a fierce competitor in everything he did. During high school, college and beyond, he shared a unique bond with his sister Nicole, showcased through their extraordinary talents as World-Class Pairs Roller Figure Skating Champions placing in the top three from 1989 – 1991 at the National Championships, Olympic Festivals, Pan American Games, and finally tied for third place at the World Championships.
Paolo’s journey was one of extraordinary breadth and depth. After skating, he worked for the family moving business, Peacock Relocation Systems, until his love of cars changed his course. Paolo became an automotive aficionado and was chosen as one of the ten finalists from hundreds of contestants for the 2003 Sport Compact Car Magazine Ultimate Streetcar Challenge. Driving his Dodge Viper, he placed third, blowing out the competition in the category for the most power. In pure Paolo fashion, he envisioned a better twin turbo system and set out to design and fabricate his groundbreaking ideas. He engineered and was renowned for his innovative twin turbo kit systems for Dodge Vipers. His technical prowess and dedication to his craft set him apart in the world of car enthusiasts. His company, Castellano Power, fabricated Paolo’s systems, and many Viper owners still proudly sport Paolo’s Twin Turbo Kit on their cars to this day.
Eventually, his passion for adventure and engineering led him to establish a successful pedicab business, where he designed and custom-built electric tricycles. Dressed in red, white and blue as he worked at sporting events and concerts, Paolo was known for his superhuman biking skills and his willingness to assist others with their bikes, which affectionately earned him the nicknames “Magneto” and “Captain America” among his fellow pedicabbers.
However, Paolo’s love and influence extended beyond his engineering innovations and figure skating achievements. At his core, he was a loving husband and father. Paolo and Hilary’s connection was built on friendship, shared values, and a deep understanding of one another. His greatest accomplishments, alongside Hilary, are his children. Paolo devoted countless hours to nurturing their talents, academic pursuits, and instilling in them the values of hard work and determination. He home-schooled his son until middle school and actively coached his children in skating and cycling.
Paolo’s unwavering commitment to his family, his love for his children, and his love and partnership with Hilary were the cornerstones of his life, forming his enduring legacy.
He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and lived life to the fullest. His unique sense of humor and his ability to make everyone laugh endeared him to all who knew him.
A memorial service in honor of Paolo will be held on November 5, 2023, at 11:30 AM in the Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, followed by a reception. We invite you to join us in commemorating Paolo’s life and sharing treasured memories.