ALCGPSC 099/23 - DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER

18 AUG 2023

ALCGPSC 099/23
SUBJ: DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER
A. United States Coast Guard Regulations 1992, COMDTINST M5000.3B
1. It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Rear Admiral
Roy J. Casto, USCG (retired), who passed away July 31, 2023, in
Lynchburg, Virginia, at the age of 74.
2. RADM Casto was born Sept. 7, 1948, to Raymond and Mary Casto, and
he was a 1970 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy. Over
his 36 years of service, he rose through the ranks, earning
specialties in engineering and financial management, as well as
serving in challenging operational assignments.
3. RADM Casto took command of the Eighth Coast Guard District in New
Orleans in April 2001, and he led the D8 response to the attacks
of 9/11.
4. Prior to this assignment, he made flag rank in 1998 and served as
Assistant Commandant for Acquisition at Coast Guard Headquarters
where he was responsible for the recapitalization of the fleet.
Previous Headquarters assignments included: Executive Assistant to
the Commandant; operating funds manager in the Programs Division of
the Office of the Chief of Staff; and Chief of the Budget Division,
where, from 1991 to 1993, RADM Casto directed overall formulation
and execution for the Coast Guard's $3.5 billion annual budget.
Command assignments included Commander of Group Fort Macon,
Commanding Officer of Base Fort Macon, and Commander of Group St.
Petersburg.
5. Admiral Casto's personal decorations included three Legions of
Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and four Coast Guard
Commendation Medals. He retired in 2003.
6. In retirement, the admiral was known for writing plays,
researching his family's ancestry, and publishing two genealogy
books. He enjoyed growing a large garden of produce that he took
pride in sharing with others.
7. RADM Casto is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy, their two
children Suzanne and Brian, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild
and many other family members, friends and shipmates.
8. RADM Casto will ultimately be laid to rest at Arlington
National Cemetery. Funeral service information and half-mast
instructions will be sent via separate message.
9. RDML Russell Dash, Commander, PSC, sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.