Hilda (Negele) BELCASTRO (nee Reffle)
Hilda passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 6, 2026, in her 83rd year. She was a very loved mother of Cathy (John) Szigeti, Joe (Sue) Belcastro, and cherished grandmother of Marina Belcastro. Predeceased by her husband, Joseph 'Cheach' Belcastro; mother, Kathi Negele; father, Franz Reffle; stepfather, Tony Negele; and grandson, Marcus Belcastro. Also survived by in-laws Anita Belcastro, Meg Belcastro, Mary 'Minnie' Lustri, Tony Duzel, and Lori and Victor Belcastro, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by in-laws, Domenic 'Meco' Belcastro, Rose and Jim Miljevic, Grace and Sam Belcastro, Pat and James 'Babe' Belcastro, John 'Boxer' Belcastro, Albert Lustri, Linda Duzel; and nephew, Christopher Belcastro. Hilda was born in Czechoslovakia and fled with her mother during World War II, settling in Welland. She spent most of her professional career as a purchasing manager at Niagara College. In her free time, she volunteered at the Tuck shop at Sunset Haven and later at Woodlands of Sunset, and as treasurer of the Port Colborne Concert Association. Family will receive friends at J.J. Patterson & Sons Funeral Residence, 19 Young St. Welland on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Hilda's life will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at The Parish Community of St. Kevin at 11 a.m. Rite of Committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The family would also like to extend thanks to the staff at Royal Rose Place, especially the staff on third floor 'Erie' for their compassionate care and kindness.
