Mr. Bernard J. Belcastro, age 83 of Medford died Saturday at his residence. He was the husband of Barbara (Halmkin) Belcastro with whom he shared more than 59 years of marriage. Mr. Belcastro was born and raised in Lexington, the son of the late Bernard and Veronica (Ryan) Belcastro. A distinguished Naval Veteran, he enlisted at the age of 17 and served during WWII. He served upon the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Augusta, the flagship of the Atlantic Fleet. The Augusta was assigned the distinction of transporting President Roosevelt to the signing of the Atlantic Charter in Yalta and later President Truman to France for the signing of the Pottsdam Agreement. He was discharged in 1946. In earlier years, Mr. Belcastro served the town of Lexington as a Firefighter. He was appointed Agent/Director of Veteran’s Services for the Town of Lexington in 1966. In 1968, he was appointed the Director of Veteran’s Services for the City of Medford, In 1986, he was appointed as Director of Veteran’s Service in the Town of Brookline.
Bernie played a major role in the enactment of several important Veterans’ issues of the day. He was active in many organizations that provided assistance to veterans and their families. He served several years as Secretary/Treasurer of Middlesex County Veteran Agents Association and was twice president the same. Mr. Belcastro had served as Commander of Medford American Legion Post #45, Secretary/Treasurer and Post Adjutant. He is a Past President of the Lexington Lions Club, a life member of the American Legion, The Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bernie taught CCD and was a past lector and Eucharistic Minister with St. Raphael’s Church in Medford. In his spare time he loved boating, golf and family time. He treasured time at the pool and taught the grandchildren and others to swim. In addition to his wife, He is survived by three daughters: Marianne Belcastro of Medford, Daria Petrella of Medford, Barbara Belcastro of Medford, Three sons: Bernard J. Belcastro Jr. of Dorchester, Bart Belcastro of Bellingham and Barry Belcastro of Malden, a sister Virginia Daigle of NH and a brother Jerome Belcastro of NC. Brother of the late Joseph, Francis and James Belcastro and Elizabeth Smithers. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden, Tuesday at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 pm in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street Medford. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford..