Theresa Prezioso Castellano has been a public servant, the words she uses to describe her role in government and politics for more than three decades, as a continuing study in life. She was elected President of several parent associations, was instrumental in organizing and then becoming President of the Hoboken Business & Industry Association and served as a Trustee of the Hoboken Historic Museum. In the early 1970's, she joined the Russo Civic Association. This community service led to a rewarding life for herself and a career dedicated to the betterment of residents of Hoboken, most especially the less fortunate and those whose social needs are most paramount.
It was as a member of this Civic Association that the future Councilwoman became committed to public and volunteer service. She made visits to the Pediatrics Ward of Saint Mary's Hospital on major holidays; delivered flowers through the Senior Flower Program to shut-ins and sponsored the Hoboken Haunted House, a Halloween Treat free to children, all of which continue to this day. She joined in raising money for Aids through Faith Services, which became a drop-off center for the Red Cross on 9/11 also collecting needed items and money for the WTC disaster.
She began her dedicated career in public service in 1978, when she was appointed to the Hoboken Historic Preservation Commission, a position she holds to this day and has chaired since 1991. She was also appointed to the Mile Square City's Zoning Board of Adjustments in 1990, becoming Chairperson, allowing her the distinction of chairing two local government bodies concurrently. In 1995, Theresa was asked to run for the City Council. Reluctant, she told her backers she preferred to remain a volunteer. However, pressure was applied and Theresa Castellano the volunteer became Theresa Castellano the Councilwoman. She looks forward to seeking her Fourth Term as the Representative of the City's First Ward next Spring.
Along with serving on Hoboken's City Council, Theresa operates a women's apparel shop, City Discount House at 207 Washington Street, where locals stop in to purchase items, but more often to discuss the goings on in politics in Hoboken. "I learn a lot from these shoppers. Their cares. Concerns and needs. My shop is the listening post that helps me help my constituents," the three term Councilwoman says..
A product of local Hoboken public and parochial
schools, Theresa attended Fairleigh Dickinson University.
She is married to Robert Castellano for the past
30 years, the same length of time he has served
in the Hoboken Police Department. The Castellanos
arc the proud parents of two sons, John and Jesse.
About her life as a Public Servant, as compared
to being called a politician, Councilwoman Castellano
says the City of Hoboken has given her so much she
wanted to give something back. And she has been
giving back for most of her adult life, especially
to the less fortunate in the Town where Baseball
was born, and a great entertainer who was called
`the Chairman of the Board' - Frank Sinatra - also
was born.
