Paul J. Castagna

BESSEMER, Mich. — Paul J. Castagna, 68, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2015, after a three-year battle with cancer. He was born on Oct. 21, 1946, to Santino (Sye) and Pauline Castagna.

Paul worked five decades in arts design/construction and art gallery management as a professional artist whose work has been displayed in numerous venues, including one show in Paris, and book cover designs. He is best known for painting a unique mandala style, along with many iconic people and large detailed paintings.

He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a Fine Arts degree. Paul most recently worked as an art instructor in the Art/Graphics Arts Department at Gogebic Community College from 2007 until 2012. He was involved in GCC Art Space and enjoyed inspiring his art students. He also taught in Thief River Falls Community College. He taught art history, art appreciation, drawing, painting, electronic pagination, digital photo imaging, and other art/graphic related classes.

Paul was a creative and talented artist. He was kind and generous to so many. He will be sadly missed by his two sons, Santino B. and Sam; along with Paul’s father, Santino (Sye) Castagna; Paul’s cat, Bodhi; and many close friends, family and artists.

His mother, Pauline (Polly), preceded him in death.

Cremation and a private memorial mass have taken place. A celebration of family and friends to celebrate Paul’s life and work will include a private showing of his vast collection of artwork that will be held at 1401 Cloverland Dr., Ironwood, on Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 1 to 3 p.m.