Bob Carastro

Lawrence Robert Carastro (Lt. Col,USAF, Ret.) who went by Bob, was born on September 27, 1930 in Tampa, Florida and succumbed to pneumonia on December 12, 2020 in Montgomery, Alabama at 90 years of age. Bob was reared in Tampa, and attended Florida State University where he obtained a BS degree in Public Administration. He was a charter member (Secretary) of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity along with his two brothers Joe and Bud as they had both returned from serving in the military in WW II and attended FSU on the GI bill. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. He was part of a select group of instructor pilots that transitioned WW II pilots to jet fighters. He was stationed at Miami of Ohio University where he was assigned to work with Air Force ROTC and received his Master’s degree in Education with concentration on Aerospace Education. Bob served as USAF Liaison Officer to Puerto Wing Civil Air Patrol 1965-1968. In 1967, he received a commendation from The National Commander of Civil Air Patrol for his service in Puerto Rico. He referred to this time in Puerto Rico as the best three years of his life. He was then stationed at Maxwell AFB where he retired as a Lt. Col. after his 21 year Air Force career. He had his second 38 year career with the State of Alabama Game and Fish as a pilot, a Pilot and Director of the Department of Air Transportation, and served in the Department of Aeronautics where he retired a second time at 85 years of age. As a pilot for AL, he served five Alabama governors, George Wallace, Fob James, Guy Hunt, Jim Folsom Jr. and Don Siegelman.

Bob’s interests included officiating football, basketball and softball. He enjoyed playing racquetball at the Gunter gym.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Rosina Mirabella Carastro, and brothers Joseph and Bud. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Marie Fikes Carastro and two children Michael James and Susan Marie Carastro. He has two grandchildren, Danielle Marie and PFC Robert Dane Carastro, (USMC) whom he loved dearly.

Bob’s passion for aviation was deeply knit into his family as he met his future bride Marie at Craig AFB while she was on a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) mission. He taught both of his children to fly and Michael is currently a professional pilot, largely through Bob’s influence. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the CAP. Contributions can be completed at development.gocivilairpatrol.com or checks may be sent to:

CAP-Development

PO Box 9251

Montgomery, Al 36108-2342

(memo: ALWG-IMO Bob Carastro)

Visitation for Mr. Carastro is set for 9:00 am Saturday December 19, 2020 and followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 10:00 am. Online condolences may be shared at: www.Leak-MC.com