The Honorable William CASTAGNA

CASTAGNA, The Honorable William J. "Bill" passed away peacefully on Friday December 18, 2020 at the age of 96, surrounded by his family. In his 96 years he had many roles husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, lawyer, judge, mentor and colleague, to name but a few. The son of Italian immigrants, he was born and grew up just outside of Philadelphia in Darby, Pennsylvania where he was class president at Darby High School. He began college at the University of Pennsylvania and was a member of the University's ROTC unit, was active in boxing and drama, and won a championship in featherweight boxing. In 1943 while at Penn, he was called to active duty in the US Army Air Corps (which later became the US Air Force), and trained as bombardier with the highly secretive Norden bombsight. During his time in the service, his family moved to Clearwater, Florida. He was on the tarmac preparing to depart for Japan when the announcement of Japan's surrender blared over the loudspeakers. After the war ended, he enrolled at the University of Florida College of Law. During law school he was elected to the University's oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary society, Florida Blue Key, and was named to the UF Hall of Fame. He was a fierce debater and served as President of the Varsity Debate Society, which won competitions throughout the nation. After graduating from law school in 1949, Judge Castagna took a position for a year with a law firm in Miami, then moved back to Clearwater where he established and built his law practice. In 1954 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Spoto, and together they created a warm and loving home for each other and their four children, Charles N. Castagna (Karen), William D. Castagna, Lisa A. Griffith (Patrick), and Catherine A. Abood (Robert). In addition to his children, Judge Castagna is survived by his ten grandchildren, Alisa Collins (Nicholas), Annamarie, Charles Anthony and Mia Catherine Castagna; Gabrielle and Liam Castagna; Kyle (Karoline) and Kevin Griffith; Delaney and Daniel Abood; great-grandson, Warren Charles Collins; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ninetta Castagna, his wife Carolyn, his brother Edward, and his nephew Chuck. While building his law practice, Bill was very active in Clearwater's Little Theater, starring in many productions. In addition to theater, he had a great love of opera and classic literature. He served as a city judge, was active in local politics, and participated in many civic organizations. He also served as an elder at Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, and helped found the church's Child Development Center. Bill provided athletic inspiration to many by learning to snow ski at age 70 and playing tennis into his early 90s. He also loved fishing and water skiing, which was an annual birthday and Father's Day tradition until age 93. Professionally, Judge Castagna was active in community affairs and service to the legal profession, including serving as President of the Clearwater Bar Association, as a member of the Civil Rules Committee of the Florida Bar, and as a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors. Judge Castagna practiced law for 30 years until appointed to the federal bench by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Throughout his subsequent 41 years of service as a Federal Judge in the Middle District of Florida, Judge Castagna remained a beloved leader, mentor, colleague, and friend, who served with integrity and humility. His remarkable professional career in the legal field spanned over 70 years. His was a life well lived in every respect, and he leaves a lasting legacy as a humble and dignified husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, lawyer and judge. A celebration of Judge Castagna's life will be announced when circumstances allow. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Francis Wilson Playhouse (formerly Little Theater of Clearwater - donations will support their performance arts programs) www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org/donate/ | (727) 446-1360 Florida's Children First (donations will support their work with at-risk and foster children) www.floridaschildrenfirst.org/donations/ | (954)-796-0860 Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church (donations will be designated to the music ministry) 110 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 446-3001