Robert “Bobby” James Castellano
September 12, 1948 — May 19, 2026
Aged 77 · Tybee Island, GA
Robert “Bobby” Castellano, 77, of Tybee Island, crossed the bar on May 19 with his family at his side. A son of Savannah’s waterfront, Bobby spent his life within sound of the tide.
He served four years in the United States Navy before returning home to captain shrimp boats out of Thunderbolt for nearly four decades. The men who worked his decks called him fair, fearless, and the best weather-reader on the coast.
Bobby could fix any engine, splice any line, and tell a story that grew a little taller every year. His grandchildren learned to fish, to whittle, and to laugh at his terrible jokes on the dock behind his house.
He is at peace now, on the water he loved. Fair winds, Captain.
Survived by
His wife of 51 years, Patricia; his sons Anthony and Michael; six grandchildren; and the whole Thunderbolt fishing fleet.
In lieu of flowers
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Coastal Heritage Society maritime fund.
98 candles have been lit in Robert’s memory
Words of comfort & remembrance
Share a memory or a message for the family. Your words are a comfort.
- Tom Reyes
Worked Bobby’s boat for 12 years. Never met a steadier hand or a bigger heart. Going to miss you on the water, Cap.
- VFW Post 660
Thank you for your service, Shipmate. We have the watch from here.