Willard "Bill" LoCascio

Willard Robert "Bill" LoCascio, 73, of Richmond County, North Carolina, passed away on March 11, 2026.

Born on November 23, 1952, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, Bill was the son of Alice Marie Mullen LoCascio, who survives him and resides in South Amboy, New Jersey, and the late Fiorello Robert LoCascio.

Bill grew up in Sayreville, New Jersey, but at just 18 years old he set out on a path that would shape the rest of his life. He joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, proudly serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. Bill loved the thrill of being a paratrooper and often joked about jumping out of "perfectly good airplanes." What began as a military assignment eventually became home, and North Carolina remained the place where he built his life.

By trade, Bill was an electrician, known for his strong work ethic and his ability to fix just about anything. Outside of work, he was a proud member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge and someone who never met a stranger.

But more than anything, Bill was a family man. His proudest accomplishments in life were his children and grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as Pop or Pops. He is survived by his former wife, Helen Lovin LoCascio, and his significant other, Susan Raines. He leaves behind four children: Christopher Ray LoCascio (April) of Rockingham, NC; Liza Marie LoCascio of Apex, NC; Jonathan Alexander LoCascio (Stacey) of Calabash, NC; and Peyton Brianna Patrick (Austin) of Rockingham, NC.

He was also the proud grandfather of Levi Thomas LoCascio, Jack Alexander LoCascio, Jillian Marie LoCascio, and Lainey Jade Patrick, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

Bill is also survived by his five sisters: Ann Marie Hogan of Rockingham, NC; Norine Richardson of Indianapolis, Indiana; Kathryn Clark of Derby, Kansas; Mary Agnes LoCascio of Eatontown, New Jersey; and Roberta Ferlita of Sayreville, New Jersey.

He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart. "Uncle Bill" or "Uncle Willard" loved spending time with them, sharing stories, laughter, and the same larger-than-life energy that defined him. Additionally, he leaves behind many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and dear friends, each of whom shared a special bond with him.

Bill had a personality that was larger than life. He loved jamming out to good music and could talk about music or sports for hours. In fact, he often said those were the two easiest ways to connect with people. Whether it was debating sports trivia, sharing stories, or just making people laugh, Bill had a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.

He was also the family's self-proclaimed grill master. While he occasionally burned what he was cooking, his children grew to love it that way and wouldn't have had it any other way. It became part of the tradition - just like the laughter and stories that always came with it.

A passionate sports fan, Bill loved cheering for the Tarheels and the Dallas Cowboys, and he rarely missed an opportunity to talk about a game, a player, or a piece of sports history.

Above all, Bill will be remembered as someone who loved deeply and gave generously. He had a gift for making people feel special - often through thoughtful gifts, a good laugh, or simply showing up when it mattered most. If you were someone Bill loved, you knew it.

Per his wishes, a celebration of life will be held in the coming months. Bill wanted his life celebrated - not mourned with sadness. In his spirit, take a moment to tell the people around you how much you love them. To Bill, love was simple: showing up and following through.

His legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and memories shared by all who knew and loved him.