2017 -- H 6354

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JAMES PAUL

DECASTRO, SR.

     Introduced By: Representatives Marshall, Donovan, Casey, Keable, and Bennett

     Date Introduced: June 21, 2017

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with utmost sadness that this House has learned of the passing of James

Paul DeCastro, Sr., the husband of our friend and colleague, Leslie DeCastro, and the beloved

father of Kara Ann Estrella and James P. DeCastro, Jr.; and

     WHEREAS, James was born on February 6th of 1954 in the City of Providence and was

a graduate of De La Salle Academy and the Rhode Island Trade Shop School. He was the son of

Dolores DeCastro and the late Joseph DeCastro, and the brother of Cynthia Singman and Susan

DeCastro; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, children, and mother, James is survived by his

beautiful grandchildren, Cole Estrella and Kenzie Estrella, who always brought light and

immeasurable happiness into his life, his son-in-law, Thomas Estrella, and his soon-to-be

daughter-in-law, Camblin Reyes; and

     WHEREAS, James had served as the State of Rhode Island's first Executive High Sheriff

and was the last Bristol County Sheriff in the state's history. He had also served as the Chief of

Administrative Services and Director of the Sheriff's training academy. During his tenure as

Executive High Sheriff, he was responsible for 212 employees as well as managing budgets and

setting policy and procedures; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, James had previously been a local business owner in the Town

of Bristol and had held leadership positions with numerous civic organizations including,

President of the Rhode Island Association of Democratic City & Town Chairs, Chairman of the

Bristol Democrat Town Committee, and a member of the State Committee Executive Board and

the Newport Lions Club. He was also an avid fan of NHRA Drag Racing; and

     WHEREAS, A famous musician once said, "You don't know how strong you are until

being strong is the only option you have." James had dealt with physical challenges for many

years before his passing and though it was often heart-wrenching, his family had always been

there to help and care for him; and

     WHEREAS, Although James is gone from our sight, he will never be vanished from the

hearts of those who knew and loved him, and while words cannot mend the heartache, time will

lessen the burden, and cherished memories will provide comfort and peace of mind in the years to

come; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby extends its deepest sympathy to the family of James Paul

DeCastro, Sr.; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Leslie DeCastro and Family.

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