Emma Castagnari "Cass" Garfola

Emma Castagnari “Cass” Garfola passed away quietly on February 28, 2023, surrounded by her children.

Born September 24, 1927, Emma was raised in Yatesboro, PA, and attended Cowanshannock High School and the McKeesport School of Nursing. Later in life, she earned her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Nursing, continuing the career that spanned many decades.

Emma’s favorite names were Wife, Mom, Nona, and Bis. Her husband and best friend, John, preceded her in death in 2013. She is survived by her: children, Jessica (Charles) Wright, John “Jeep” (Mina) Garfola, and Rick (Dana) Garfola; grandchildren, Philip “Mike” (Devin) Wright, Elizabeth (Matthew) Weaver, Sean (Fae) Garfola, Evan (Natasha) Garfola, Cassandra Garfola, and Adam Garfola; and great- grandchildren, Carson and Amelia Wright, and Sydney (Huylar) Jordan.

Our Mom was bright, steadfast, and fearless, and had a dry but great sense of humor; we constantly laughed at so much silliness. She was genuine and down-to-earth, with a heart of gold. She never bought more than she could afford, and even when she could afford it, she never spoiled herself. Mom never complained - though, throughout her life of almost a century, we're sure she would have had some reasons to do so. With quiet dignity and grace, she lived life fully, with no regret, and valued above all, her family.

Mom never needed fanfare or extravagance. She truly appreciated the simple joys of life: sitting on the porch watching the birds; reading; watching the Steelers or Penguins; baking; jelly beans; a good glass of orange juice to start the day; and, most of all, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

As we grew, we had no idea of the hardships our parents faced because her love protected us like a warm blanket. God truly blessed us with the gift of her as our Mom.

Friends may pay their respects to Emma on Thursday March 9, 2023 between 4 and 7 PM at the Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle, PA. On March 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM a Roman Catholic Mass will be offered at the Fort Indiantown Gap Memorial Chapel, Building 0-8, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA. Following the mass at 1:00PM Emma will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Trade School, Licensing and Certification Foundation, 107 Wilton Road, Westport CT 06880.

To Mom's (and our) many friends, please accept our sincere thanks for your kind wishes, support, and prayers. To the doctors and nursing staff at Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital, and Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your extraordinary care of Mom during this difficult time.