Ross Carmine Castagna

Ross C. Castagna, who built a career in the apparel industry and helped lead Anvil Knitwear Inc., a manufacturer of tee shirts and tops in Mullins S.C., died on November 10, 2014 at his home in Oviedo, Florida. He was 86 years old.
A native of New York City and Pelham, New York, Mr. Castagna lived in Stamford, CT for 45 years and helped run Anvil from offices in New York until he retired in 1997.
He graduated from Brown University in 1949 with a Bachelor Degree in Mathematics. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Castagna joined Rapid American Corp. in 1959 after 10 years with Brown & Bigelow selling advertising specialties. He started with Rapid Advertising as a salesman with their International Playtex, Family Products Division and rapidly went up the ladder as a District Manager, Regional Manager, National Food Division Manager, to Division Merchandise Manager.
In 1972, he was moved into the Textile Division of Rapid American and as a Vice President of B.V.D. he started the B.V.D. Screenprint Division, which was the beginning of an industry manufacturing apparel for the screen printers and embroiderers of America.
In 1976, B.V.D. Screenprint became Anvil Knitwear and Mr. Castagna built a sales and marketing team well known in the industry for its integrity and service. Anvil Knitwear became one of the leading companies in its field; Mr. Castagna became President in 1986 and served as President until his retirement in 1998.
Mr. Castagna is predeceased by his wife Leona and his parents Anthony and Santina Castagna and his brother John Castagna. He is survived by his daughter Robin and son-in-law Andy Alvis and his grandchildren Joshua and Jason Alvis. He will be greatly missed by his sister, Nancy and brother-in-law Henry Foertsch. Mr. Castagna also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at Pelham Funeral Home on Thursday, November 13, from 7 to 9 PM and Friday, November 14, from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will take place Saturday, November 15, at Saint Catharine's Church, Pelham at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, New Rochelle. For more information or to leave a condolence message, visit pelhamfuneral.com.