Family of security guard killed in Gary to remember him at White Sox game
GARY, Ind. June 15 2021 Despite their grief, the family of a bank security officer killed during a robbery in Gary plans to attend the White Sox game Monday night to remember him.
One man is now charged in the bank robbery in Gary last week, which left a 55-year-old Richard Castellana dead.
Castellana of Tinley Park recently retired in 2019 after more than 30 years on the job to enjoy in life with his wife. He also finally had more time to spend with his two kids.
He was the best dad that I could ever ask for, honestly. Really,” Castellana’s daughter Caitlin said.
He was a Chicago sports fan through and through and he loved the White Sox.
Richard Castellana was shot and killed while working security at this bank in Gary, Indiana Friday after he was ambushed by two men robbing the bank.
His friends and family plan to honor him here at the ballpark Monday.
“We were supposed to go to the game tomorrow with him,” Castellana’s longtime friend Jeff Hannah.. “We are still going, but we are taking his kids.”
On Friday, Castellana was shot and killed while working security at a bank in Gary Indiana. He was ambushed by two men.
James King, 24, faces murder and robbery charges in connection to the case. The suspect from Miami Florida found hiding in the woods nearby with thousands of dollars in cash. Another man still on the run.
King appeared in court Monday morning, where he was denied bail.
Castellana’s daughter, Caitlin, is devastated by the loss.
“This is not the way this kind of person should go, ever,” said Caitlin, who is devastated by the loss.
She recalls the last time she spoke with her dad.
“The same morning before he left, he gave me a hug and a kiss. We were joking around. He said, ‘I can hug and kiss you now because Stanley did not see.’ Then he left for work — that was it,” she said. “I am glad the last moment was a good moment, if you know what I mean.”
Castellana, who was also known as Ricky, was the guy people just wanted to be around.
“He was just the ultimate man. Never a bad word to say about anyone,” said Hannah said.
Castellana was born and raised on the South Side where he lived with his wife.
It was in Blue Island where he met some of his closest friends.
“Ricky and I went to 1st grade together, said Santo Chichi, who is another longtime friend. “He was the life of the party. A jokester.”
The spirit Castellana has are all memories his friends will cherish.
“He was like a brother to me. I do not know what I am going to do without him,” Hannah added.
A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for the family.
Chicago ABC
