Ann Theresa Necastro 1940-2026

Ann was born March 7, 1940, in Youngstown, to James A. Slavin, a steelworker and union representative at Republic Steel, and Agnes G. Farragher, a devout Catholic and homemaker. She was the seventh of eight proud, Irish-Catholic Eastsiders (near Lansdowne and Oak Street). She was the last living member of that immediate family.

Ann attended school at Immaculate Conception. Before graduating from East High, she worked in the mailroom at “St. E’s” as a delivery girl. Soon thereafter, she joined her two brothers and their wives in Los Angeles to make a “new life.” About a year after her father’s death in 1962, her mother and younger sister, Patricia, joined the family in California. The three resided in an apartment there. Ann worked as a secretary.

After a couple of years in LA, the three women decided to move back home to Youngstown. Several motherly novenas later, at what was the South Side’s “The Fireplace,” Neil T. Necastro Sr., a Brier Hill-reared machinist at United Engineering (later Wean United), introduced himself to Ann after hearing the bartender ask, “What are ya’ drinkin’, Slavin?” Neil had worked with her brother, Ed, years before and had recognized the last name. Later, Ann would recall, “I could hardly speak! He, literally, took my breath away!” Neil was the love of her life. She absolutely adored him. They made a home together on the South Side (Hollywood Avenue), where they raised one son, Neil Jr.

Ann was a member of both St. Dominic and St. Rocco parishes. She worked for years as St. Rocco’s Church secretary. She later worked as such at St. Paul Lutheran Church on the North Side and finally, downtown, at Commonwealth Land and Title Company, from which she retired.

She loved traveling with her husband all over, not only to see this great country but also to go see their son perform in professional theaters in NYC, Atlanta and Ann Arbor / Detroit, and also to play the slots. Ann and Neil loved the casino and thoroughly enjoyed their adventures together.

Ann was an incredibly tough, uncomplaining Irish girl — very characteristic of that Silent Generation. She was most trustworthy, highly conscientious, very discreet and could be counted on, always. She was uncompromisingly steadfast toward those she loved — with a heartfelt laugh and smile.

She will be especially missed by her son, Neil (Jenny Storti) of Lowellville; her granddaughter, Chloe; and her niece, Dr. Kathy Padgitt (Chuck George) of Canfield, who treated Ann like a second mother; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the country.

Besides her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Neil Sr.; her sisters, Agnes Marie Lynch (Martin) of Liberty, Ruth Grombacher (Myron) of Austintown, Kathleen Padgitt (Howard) of Hubbard and Patricia Herdman (David) of Liberty; and her brothers, James Slavin (Marion) of Youngstown, Edward Slavin (Eileen) of Simi Valley, California, and Robert Slavin (Anita) of Arcadia, California.

Her son wishes to thank April and Kayla at Sanctuary Hospice for their loving care.

Details for a private celebration of life will be conveyed in the future by the family.

Arrangements by The McCauley Funeral Home, proudly serving the community for 124 years! Please send thoughts and condolences to the funeral home website, www.mccauleyfuneral.com.

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