The Ocean Park Branch Library, 2601 Main Street, will commemorate the life of beloved Library Services Officer Michael (Mike) Castagnola with the unveiling of a whimsical bench in a dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 14 at 11 a.m.
The bench, donated by his friends, family, and fellow improv performers, was created by furniture designer Mike Zicopoulos and artist Christopher Darga. The ceremony takes place in the youth area of the Ocean Park Branch, where the bench will reside.
Castagnola was employed at Santa Monica Public Library as a Library Services Officer for twelve years, touching the hearts of the community and his coworkers. City Council honored him by adjourning the April 24, 2018 meeting in his memory.
Mike spent many years working in comedy, first as part of The Groundlings Sunday Company Show, and later as a charter member of the improvisational comedy group, The Trans4merZ. In the 1980s, he performed with Constant Comedy on Main Street near the Ocean Park Branch. Mike was a long-time Santa Monica resident and left behind a wife and daughter.
Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony, and a small reception will be held directly following the dedication.
Submitted by Karen Reitz
