Raymond G. Castro, 80, a lifelong resident of Bristol, R.I., passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Alvaro and Albina (Bento) Castro.

He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Dorothy May (O’Connor) Castro; daughters Patricia A. Anania and husband Richard and Kathleen M. Gaskell and husband Stuart; grandson Brandon Gaskell; granddaughters Stephanie-Anne Gaskell and Jessica Ryan; and five great-grandchildren. He leaves behind his brother, Edward Castro and wife Rachel; nephews Paul Castro, and Stephen Castro and wife Cindy and their children, Olivia and Andrew. He also leaves many family members both locally and on the West Coast, mainly in California.   

There were various activities that Ray had a passion for, but his love of Bristol was most of all. The servitude to his town was what he was most proud and known for.  He would never hesitate to put the needs of his beloved community of Bristol first and foremost.

Ray was a member of the Bristol Fire Department from the early age of eighteen. His roles within the department changed throughout the stages of his life, where he made many lifelong friends. Ray published a book on the history of his beloved fire station, the Defiance. 

He also enjoyed many academic pursuits and graduated from Bryant College with a Bachelor of Science degree.  He found time in later years to take a Portuguese class at St. Elizabeth’s Church, where he was trying to connect with his proud Portuguese heritage. He was in the National Guard during the troubling Vietnam War era where he was called to serve stateside and was happy to do so for his country. 

In addition to his voluntary pursuits, he found the time to maintain a full-time job at Raytheon as a financial analyst for his entire career. He took much pride in his own work ethic, which he had passed onto his daughters by example. 

Ray enjoyed journaling his life with his daily diary entries; was an avid news consumer and talk show radio connoisseur. He was also known as the family prankster.  He loved a good joke till the end; whenever he could come up with one, he did.

He loved genealogy and composed a book for his extended family detailing many discoveries before DNA companies existed. He worked tirelessly to locate and work with family in finding information from the past to pass to the future generations. 

Gardening was another pursuit with which he found extreme joy during the New England summer months and loved nothing more than some wholesome good food before farm to fork was a thing. He would find pleasure with family events, holiday dinners and sharing life lessons to whomever would listen to his wisdom, especially family.

Ray was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed many sports endeavors himself as a youngster. He found much happiness later in life in spending time with his grandson doing various activities and being a sports spectator and his biggest fan. He also enjoyed many family visits from extended family from England, where he was lovingly known as Papa to all of the youngsters.    

His funeral services will be held, Saturday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High St., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood St. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.

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