WATERTOWN, NY — Patricia A. Castro, 89, widow of Joseph Castro, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, with her family by her side.
Born Sept. 23, 1930, the daughter of Francis (Sam) and Katherine Warren Burns in Watertown, NY, she graduated in 1948 from Immaculate Heart Academy.
Following graduation, she worked at the NY Telephone Company for several years as an operator.
Patricia married Joseph Castro on Sept. 30, 1950, in St. Patrick’s Church, Watertown, a union that lasted 42 years until Mr. Castro passed away in March 1993 after a courageous six-year battle with cancer.
Patricia left the phone company to raise her family and for over 40 years, she worked along side her husband to run the family business, Castro’s Florist and Greenhouses in Watertown until their retirement.
Summers were spent with the family at their cottage on Sherwins Bay built by her husband in the mid fifties. Many good memories were made there with the family over the years.
Patricia enjoyed spending time with her family. Together with her husband she traveled extensively to many foreign countries over the years. After retirement, Pat and Joe spent the cold winter months in Florida. With her friends, she enjoyed going to the casino, playing cards and watching a variety of sporting events. She also enjoyed numerous bus trips with her friends to a variety of places. In 2000, Pat moved to Rome, NY to be closer to her daughters. She was active in the Senior Center in Rome and developed close friendships in her new hometown.
Patricia was blessed with 6 children, Janet (Raymond) Beatty, Rome, Joann Castro, Watertown, Joseph (Linda) Castro, Baldwinsville, Jon Castro and partner Marvin Clites, Hagerstown, MD, and Trisha (Scott) Meehan, Canastota, and an infant son Timothy (Joseph’s twin) who passed away shortly after birth; seven grandsons and a granddaughter, Sean and Kevin Beatty, Daniel Wearne, Melissa Wearne Thomas, Mark Wearne, Jason and Joseph Castro, and Collin Meehan.
She is also survived by step grandchildren, Stephanie and Sean Meehan, Craig Middleton, and Michelle Polky. Pat also loved the addition of her great grandchildren, Lucas and Connor Beatty, Ayden and Jordyn Castro, Haley and Jenna Thomas, and Victoria and Nicole Wearne. Mrs. Castro is also survived by many nephews and nieces, including a special niece, Kathleen McGraw Pitman.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph, and infant son, Timothy, and two sisters, Cynthia Burns and Diane Burns McGraw.
Services for Patricia are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. There will be no calling hours per her request.
Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery beside her husband Joseph following a private prayer service at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St. or Sisters of the Precious Blood, 400 Pratt St., both in Watertown, NY 13601.
Online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.