Patricia Ann Policastro

Patricia Ann Policastro, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, in Cleveland, Tennessee, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old.

Patricia was born on June 21, 1938, in Newark, New Jersey, to Jack and Dolores Prignano. She grew up in Newark with her brothers and sisters, beginning a life that would be defined by family, friendship, hard work, and an unwavering love for the people around her.

For most of her life, Patricia called Parsippany, New Jersey, home. It was there that she raised her family, built lifelong friendships, and created countless memories that her children and grandchildren will carry with them forever. She devoted many years of her life to serving her community as a police dispatcher with the Parsippany Police Department, where she eventually retired. Patricia was someone people could count on-steady, caring, dependable, and always willing to help.

In 2016, Patricia made the move from New Jersey to Cleveland, Tennessee, beginning another chapter of her life closer to family. While she left behind a place that had been home for so many years, she brought with her the most important part of that life-the love of her family and the memories they had made together.

Patricia's life was centered around her family.

She was married to Vito Anthony Policastro, who preceded her in death. Although they eventually separated, Patricia and Vito remained lifelong friends. They continued to care for and support one another while raising their children, always putting their family first. Their enduring friendship and shared love for their children remained an important part of Patricia's life.

Patricia was a devoted mother to Michael Policastro (Elaine) of Cleveland, Tennessee; James Policastro (Tracey) of Brentwood, California; and Vincent Policastro (Cynthia, deceased) of Parsippany, New Jersey.

Being a mother was one of the greatest joys of Patricia's life. But as the years went by, her family grew, and she found an equally special joy in being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a proud grandmother to Chris Policastro (Christina), Michelle McElheney (Jordan), Kyle Policastro, Karah Policastro, James Policastro (Taylor) Gianna Policastro, Nicole Policastro, and Anthony Policastro.

She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Lincoln Policastro, Alexander Policastro, Hayes McElheney, Everett McElheney, Aubrey Policastro, and James Policastro Jr. They brought another generation of love and happiness into her life.

Patricia's family extended beyond her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her brothers Michael Prignano of Vernon, New Jersey, and Frank Prignano of Kearny, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her siblings Louis Prignano and Genieve Prignano, both of Newark, New Jersey.

Those who knew Patricia will remember much more than where she lived or where she worked. They will remember her heart.

They will remember a mother who devoted herself to her children, a grandmother who took pride in every accomplishment of her grandchildren, and a great-grandmother who cherished seeing another generation of her family grow. They will remember the conversations, the laughter, the family gatherings, the stories, and all of the simple moments that become the most precious memories after someone is gone.

Patricia had a way of making family feel like home. She understood that life's greatest treasures were not things, but the people we love and the time we are fortunate enough to share with them.

Her greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind.

Although her passing leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, Patricia's love will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Every family gathering, every story told, and every memory shared will carry a piece of her with them.

She may no longer be sitting at the family table, but she will always have a place there.

Patricia will be deeply missed and forever loved. Her family takes comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely throughout her 88 years will continue from one generation to the next.

Rest peacefully, Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Your work here is done. Your family is your greatest legacy, and your love will remain with us forever.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Hiwassee Memorial Gardens with Father Mike Nolan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia's memory to Hospice of Chattanooga or St. Therese Catholic Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Pat or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.