The Connection Magazines pays its condolences to the family and friends of Tom Castronovo, a second-generation pharmacist and former owner of Edgewood Pharmacy and Boutique, who passed away on October 19th.
An important and esteemed member of the Warren community, Tom is remembered as someone who was always smiling and willing to help his customers. During his lifetime, Tom touched the lives of many both through his work and his personal interactions. He is remembered as a man with strong values and integrity, a true gentleman with a kind smile. Tom often went above and beyond to help his loyal clients and he was proud to be able to serve the people in the area for so many years.
The Castronovo family has been rooted in the community for many decades now. They moved to the area in 1939, when Tom’s father, Frank Castronovo, established Watchung Pharmacy. Frank would compound prescriptions from stock medicine bottles, fill capsules, and make syrups and elixirs.
In 1962, Tom established Edgewood Pharmacy, the first pharmacy in Warren and continued the beautiful tradition of providing personalized service to his customers. Edgewood Pharmacy remains a successful family-owned business in times when large chain pharmacies command a major share of the market. Under the vision of Tom, Edgewood Pharmacy celebrated its 57th anniversary on October 1st, 2019. Edgewood Pharmacy has always manifested Tom’s values of ‘customer first.’
Tom’s son Steven joined the family business in 1987 to become the third generation of pharmacists. Like his father and grandfather, he has constantly endeavored to continue the family legacy. Edgewood Pharmacy’s special services include 24-hour emergency service, re-flavoring liquid medicine, and bringing prescriptions to patients’ cars simply to aid a customer stuck in bad weather or with a sick child in the backseat.
Following Tom’s death, the outpouring of grief and love from the community is reflective of Tom’s connection with the community. Over the years, he was fondly referred to as Tom, TC, or Mr. C. As an early member of the Warren Township Lion’s Club, Tom was instrumental in creating the annual Warren Lions Club Expo. He was also a member of the 200 Club of Somerset County.
Tom loved tending to his flower garden at his home in Lavallette. He took great pleasure in the time he spent with his grandchildren swimming in the ocean or playing games. Tom was an avid sports fan and could talk for hours about the Brooklyn Dodgers, the NY Mets, and NY Giants. He loved playing golf and tennis. He was a long-time member of Plainfield Country Club serving as Club Historian, on the Membership Committee and Chairman of the Greens Committee. Tom also belonged to Round Top Swim Club where he played tennis for many years.
The world was a better place with Tom in it. We extend our sincere condolences to Steve and the Castronovo family, colleagues, and his friends.