Marie Castello

Marie Castello (May 25, 1915 Madam Marie was the longest running tenant on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Castello was never arrested during her career, according to Asbury Park deputy mayor Jim Bruno. Her Irish father made a living building "things" (in an exact quote from Castello), including pots, hand fans and baskets. She continued to read fortunes in nearby Ocean Township, New Jersey.

Return to Asbury Park Madam Marie returned to fortunetelling at her Temple of Knowledge in Asbury Park on July 4, 2004, after a seven-year hiatus from the boardwalk, her longest absence since the 1930s. Her return coincided with renewed investment and a boom in new businesses in Asbury Park. She resumed giving fortune readings to customers on weekends only, charging between $5 and $35 for her predictions. Other family members worked the stand at other times, including her granddaughter, Sabrina.

Castello continued to work as a fortuneteller at her booth in Asbury Park until she died in 2008. She suffered from arthritis during her later years, which sometimes kept her away from her business. However, she remained mentally sharp throughout her life.

Death

Marie Castello died unexpectedly on June 27, 2008, at the age of 93. According to Castello's great-granddaughter Sally Castello, "She really wasn't sick. She just wasn't feeling well. She was very, very strong until the day she died." The American flag at the Convention Hall-Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park was lowered to half staff in her honor.

Bruce Springsteen dedicated the July 4, 2008, performance of "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" in Gothenburg to Castello and subsequently issued memories and condolences on his website:

Back in the day when I was a fixture on the Asbury Park boardwalk, I'd often stop and talk to Madam Marie as she sat on her folding chair outside the Temple of Knowledge. I'd sit across from her on the metal guard rail bordering the beach, and watched as she led the day trippers into the small back room where she would unlock a few of the mysteries of their future. She always told me mine looked pretty good — she was right. The world has lost enough mystery as it is — we need our fortunetellers. We send our condolences out to her family who've carried on her tradition. Over here on E Street, we will miss her.

Castello's family continues to give readings from Castello's booth on the Asbury Park boardwalk.