Thomas Francis (Tom/Tommy) Policastro, Jr., 66, of Providence, RI passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 16-year battle with cancer. Even until the end, Tom maintained a positive spirit often reassuring others regarding his passing. He is remembered by many as a Scholar, Educator and Advocate. Tom had a presence that was larger than life and is leaving a void in the lives of many that will not be easily filled with his particular charm and wit.

Born in Providence he was the son of the late Dorothy Williams and the late Thomas F. Policastro Sr., former President of the RI AFL-CIO.

Tom attended Cranston West High School before leaving in his senior year to enlist in the United States Navy. He attended the Naval Submariner Training School in New London, Connecticut. Tom was a Combat Veteran of the Vietnam War; he served for 13 years in the Navy, Army Reserve and Army National Guard before being honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Tom attended the University of Rhode Island on the GI bill and graduated Cum Laude in 1983. Tom was a life long student attending both Rhode Island College where he earned his credits for Teacher Certification in ESL and then attending Providence College earning graduate credits in History and Religion, Tom remained a matriculating student until his death.

Tom was always a “Rebel With A Cause” whether it was fighting for worker’s rights, advocating for animal, or supporting social justice issues both at home and abroad. On his first date with the woman who would become his wife rather than the typical dinner date, he took her to organize a picket line because the President of the Social Workers Union had been jailed. Tom was a staunch liberal and lifetime democrat who freely shared his political views with anyone who would listen.
In his later years Tom found his true bliss teaching ESL first in the Providence School System and then at North Providence High School where he taught for the past 11 years. The hardest part of his battle with cancer for him was saying goodbye to his colleagues and students.

In the words of his friend John Montecalvo:
"Infrequently and almost always unexpectedly someone happens into your life and leaves a profoundly indelible mark on you…. Over the years he has impressed and surprised me many times, but never to the extent that I was surprised and impressed with the work that he accomplished in his classroom. For the last handful of years I’ve had the pleasure of being asked to judge his students senior projects at North Providence high school. These remarkable English Learner Students, whose history with the English language ranged from a few months to maybe a couple of years, produced extraordinary presentations. Each student that I encountered credited Tom for his unbridled belief in their ultimate success. They, in no uncertain terms made me understand that their feelings for Tom went well beyond respect and well beyond gratitude. They loved him, period. Their success beyond the classroom will be Tom’s perpetual legacy because those successes could affect generations to come."

Tom was a member of a plethora of organizations and gave generously to animal rights organizations. He is survived by his wife Donna (Dupuis) Policastro of Providence, his daughter Bianca Policastro and granddaughter Breanna Policastro of North Providence and his son Thomas F. Policastro III, his daughter-in-law Crystal Bishop and his grandson Gino Thomas Policastro of Providence and his Labrador Retrievers Hunter and Aengus. No calling hours. In lieu of the Viking Funeral that Tom would have preferred, although he certainly earned his place in Valhalla, a Celebration of Tom’s life will be held from 4pm to 8pm on December 14th at the Providence Marriott on Orms Street.

You may wish to make a donation in his memory to the Thomas Policastro Scholarship Fund at North Providence High School, 1828 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, RI 02911.

"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time."
Mark Twain

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J F Skeffington Funeral Home
925 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
401-331-3900