Armando LoCastro

GIRARD - Armando LoCastro, 81, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, Oct. 17, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Armando was born July 19, 1945, in Malvagna, Sicily, a son of the late Angelo and Carmela BonGiovanni LoCastro, and came to the United States and the Girard area in 1972.

Armando attended culinary school in Sicily, where he developed his passion for cooking and the skills that would become the foundation of his life's work. With determination, hard work and a dream of owning his own restaurant, Armando, along with his wife, Nerina, established Armando's Restaurant in the early 1980s. What began as a small Italian carryout in Girard eventually grew into a successful and well-known restaurant on Belmont Avenue in Liberty, which they owned and operated for many years before retiring in 2009.

Armando's Restaurant was truly his heart and soul. He took great pride in preparing homemade pasta and his signature pasta sauce, earning a reputation throughout the Mahoning Valley for his exceptional cooking and dedication to quality. His homemade sauce became so popular that he began preparing, bottling and distributing it to area grocery stores, including Giant Eagle, allowing customers to enjoy a taste of Armando's in their own homes. Armando was equally devoted to the people who made his restaurant special. He welcomed his customers as friends and treated his employees like family, creating an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality that became a hallmark of the restaurant.

Armando and Nerina also operated Villa Paradiso Night Club adjacent to the restaurant, attracting entertainers, local personalities and visiting celebrities, many of whom became familiar faces at Armando's. Together, the establishments became popular destinations in the Mahoning Valley, known for their fine food, entertainment and welcoming atmosphere. Armando took great pride in the business he and Nerina built together and the many friendships formed throughout the years.

He was a member of St. Rose Church in Girard.

Above all, Armando was a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose family was the center of his life. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with those he loved, especially his two granddaughters, Gabriella and Adriana, who held a special place in his heart.

In his free time, Armando enjoyed playing the accordion and tending to his gardens, where he took great pride in growing vegetables and cultivating his beautiful roses.

Armando leaves to forever cherish his memory his wife of 57 years, Venera "Nerina" Orlando LoCastro, whom he married July 16, 1969; his son, Angelo (Stephanie) LoCastro of Girard; his two granddaughters, Gabriella LoCastro and Adriana LoCastro; his brother, Antonino (Franca) LoCastro of Italy; his sisters-in-law, Maria Santa of Australia and Maria Pina of Sicily; several nieces and nephews whom he adored; and many extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Armando was preceded in death by his brother, Giovanni LoCastro; his sister, Maria Maiorana; his brother-in-law, Salvatore Orlando; and his nieces, Alessia Orlando and infant Stefania LoCastro.

Family and friends may call from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 222 S. State St., Girard. Prayers will be offered at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 48 E. Main St., Girard.

Interment will follow at Girard Liberty Union Cemetery.