2019 -- H 5005

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE GEORGE A.

CASTRO

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, Shekarchi, Amore, Serodio, and Williams

     Date Introduced: January 02, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Honorable George A. Castro, a dedicated public servant and

distinguished member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for Eighteen Years, passed

away on October 17, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Avis L. Castro; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Castro was born in Providence, on December 27, 1936, son of the late

Jusino A. and Marion A. Castro. He was a graduate of Central High School in Providence, where

he was a member of the student council and the theatre program. After graduation, he attended

Providence College and as a college student he developed a deep desire to make a difference in

life and become active in community affairs, initially by working as the Director of the

Neighborhood Youth Core in the City of Providence, where he made a positive difference in the

lives of many young people through mentorship and the teaching of important life skills; and

     WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. Castro ran for the Rhode Island House of Representatives and

was elected to represent the citizens of House District 20 in Providence. He was a member of,

and served as Secretary of the House Finance Committee, where he was a strong advocate for

social justice and fiscal discipline. He also rose to a senior leadership position, serving as a

Deputy Majority Leader. He also served with distinction as the Chairman of the Martin Luther

King, Jr., Holiday Commission, and as Chairman of the Permanent Advisory Group on Boxing,

Wrestling and Kickboxing. He was a passionate supporter and promoter of those sports within the

State of Rhode Island. In his eighteen years as a member of the Rhode Island House of

Representatives, Mr. Castro served his constituents and the citizens of Rhode Island with honor,

integrity and tireless devotion; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Castro also had a very successful career in media and broadcasting,

serving as Executive Producer of the television show "Let's Talk About it Now", and served as

both the Executive Producer and Host for programs on WSNE and WHIM Radio. He was also a

heralded boxer in his younger days, retiring undefeated with a record of 20-0, a licensed real

estate agent, and a jazz aficionado. He will be long remembered for being a wonderful husband,

father, grandfather, and friend to many, for his sterling record of selfless public service, and for

the laughter and joy he brought to so many people. He will be sorely missed by all who knew

him; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable George A. Castro leaves behind his devoted wife, Avis, his

children, Valentino H. Freeman, IV., and his wife Denise, Michael V. Freeman, and his wife

Rose, Brian D. Castro, and Regina M. Moura, and her husband, the Honorable Paul Moura. He

also leaves behind one sister, Rene Whales, one stepbrother, Thomas Meyers, and twelve

grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He was the father of

the late Keith E. Freeman and Terri R. Sanchez; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby expresses its deepest

condolences on the passing of the Honorable George A. Castro; 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. Avis Castro and family.

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