Retired Firefighter Ralph Castellano Earns Montclair State University Degree 50 Years After Starting

This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

“I don’t like to leave things unfinished,” says Ralph Castellano, a retired firefighter who just completed a journey nearly five decades in the making – earning his degree in Business Administration from Montclair State University.

Castellano has worn many hats: mason, firefighter, small business owner, husband, father – and now, proud college graduate. He began taking night classes at Montclair in January 1975 while working full time in construction.

“I was accepted part time and went at night for about six years,” he recalls. “Then I got on the fire department and said, ‘I’ll finish this some other time.’ And I did – 50 years later.”

Though he initially pursued a degree in accounting, Castellano wasn’t sure how he’d adapt to corporate life. “I was never one for sitting,” he laughs. But following advice from his father – a mason and deputy fire chief – he took the firefighter exam. “The benefits were good. It was a solid job. I took the test, and I’m glad I did – I stayed 40 years.”

A Life of Service

His roots in the Belleville Fire Department run deep, even helping as a mason to build parts of the station with his father before officially joining. Over the years, Castellano became a fire prevention specialist, giving safety talks in schools and community centers, and collaborating with The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.

In 2012, Castellano received the prestigious Valor Award, which honors first responders who go above and beyond in life-threatening situations. While en route to a fire inspection, he responded to a call about an apartment complex fire in Belleville. Without protective gear, he rushed into the smoke-filled building, knocking on doors and helping residents escape – including an older woman overcome by heat and smoke.

“It was the right place at the right time,” he says humbly. “I believe any firefighter would’ve done the same.”

While he considered retiring after 30 years, life had other plans. “Today is actually a sad day,” he shared during his spotlight interview. “It’s been 15 years since my first wife, Marianne, passed away from ovarian cancer.” Together, they raised two children, Kimberly and Christopher. Castellano extended his career after her passing, finally retiring in 2020.

Retirement brought time for reflection – and renewal. He remarried. His wife, Joan, a certified Laughter Yoga teacher and adjunct professor, along with his sister Marion Bergenfeld, encouraged him to finish what he started.

Many of his original courses – including one in key punch computing – no longer exist, but Castellano learned he was fewer than 30 credits away from earning his degree. Over the past four years, he took one class per semester.

“Here I am,” he says, smiling. “It’s been great – the professors, the students. Coming in as an older student, I wasn’t sure how I’d be accepted. I studied every night to keep up with the kids. But I loved it. It kept my mind sharp.”

He’s not done learning. Castellano is now enrolled in a hybrid MBA program at New Jersey City University and is planning a safari next year in South Africa.

He remains active in the community through his local Knights of Columbus chapter and continues working part time at the firehouse.

His advice to other older adults thinking about returning to school? “Do it. It’s absolutely worth it. You’re never too old.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing