John Fernandes Castro, 98, of Justin Street and formerly of Mt. Hope Avenue, passed away on Feb. 2, 2019, at home. He was the husband of the late Helen (Martin) Castro.

Born in Santo Antonio, Madeira, he was the son of the late Manuel Fernandes Castro and Guilhermina A. (Gouviea) Castro. He is survived by his children, John Castro and his wife Carol of Marshfield, Mass., and  Arlene Weber (the late Edward “Buddy” Weber) of Bristol; grandsons Christopher J. Castro, Brian D. Castro and great-grandson Braden J. Castro. He was the brother of the late Vasco Castro, Maria Rosalia Nunes, Maria Jose Castro, Amelia Ferreira, Maria Augusta Castro, Maria Rosaria Andrade, Joseph Castro, Manuel Castro and Mary C. Andrade.

Mr. Castro attended Bristol schools and was a machine operator for Converse for many years before retiring.  He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Armored Division in the Pacific, where he earned the Bronze Star. He was a member of the Portuguese Independent Band Club for 80 years and loved golfing with his friends and nephew. 

His funeral services were held Feb. 7 from the George Lima Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Gilberto Orioli at St. Elizabeth’s Church. Liturgical readings were by James Alves and Karen Costa, and The Prayer of the Faithful was read by James Costa. The offertory gifts were presented by Christopher Castro, Brian Castro and Paige Costa. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Wayne Castro, Vasco Castro III, Kevin Andrade, James Costa, Steven Costa and Nicholas Marinaccio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:  Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI 02914 or R.I. Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol RI 02809.

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