March 29, 2024

William A Castro

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William A Castro, 83, of East Providence and most recently of Atria Bay Spring Village in Barrington died peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2021.

Bill was the beloved husband of the late Lois A. Ambrosino and a son of the late Manuel F. and Rose D. (Marciel) Castro. Born in Taunton, MA, he grew up in the Fox Point section of Providence where he attended the Cleary School. He later graduated from St. Raphael Academy in 1955.

After moving to East Providence, Bill began his life-long career of public service. As a State Senator, Bill proudly served the constituents of then District 42 from 1967-1982, and was elected by unanimous consent to serve as President Pro Tempore of the RI State Senate from 1979-1982.

While serving in the Senate, Bill also managed the traffic development division of Bonanza Bus Lines and was the director of sales for the former Providence Reds Hockey Club. In 1982, he was appointed as the Administrator of the RI Workers' Compensation Court by Governor J. Joseph Garrahy. He retired from that position in 1990.

A man of great faith, Bill was a long-time parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church where he served as a Trustee and a member of the Finance Committee. Bill also served as the General Chairman of the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal.

Always proud of his Portuguese heritage, Bill was actively involved in many community organizations including the Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood, Prince Henry Club and Amigos da Cavaqueira. He was awarded the medal of solidarity and Commodore of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator by the President of the Republic of Portugal.

As an avid baseball fan, he was the former Assistant District Administrator for Little League Baseball Inc. as well as past president of the East Providence Central Little League. He was a proud season ticket holder of his beloved Red Sox and followed his team to Fort Myers for their annual spring training.

Bill is survived by his devoted daughter, Kimberly DeCosta and her husband, David of Cranston, his grandchildren, Nicholas William and Camille Lucia as well as his sister, Barbara A. Martin of East Providence. He was the brother of the late Thomas, Robert, and George Castro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10am in St. Francis Xavier Church, N. Carpenter St., East Providence. Burial is Private. Calling hours will be on Friday from 9-10am in church prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 N. Carpenter St. East Providence, RI 02914.

Following the Guidelines of the RI Department of Health, social distancing and wearing of face masks are required. www.rebellofuneralhome.com

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