William Gentry Casto

William “Bill” Casto, 80, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. He was born in Bancroft, WV on September 14, 1945 to William and Ruth Casto. Bill graduated from Glenville State University, where he was an outstanding student athlete, serving as a four-year starter on the football team and a starter on the wrestling team.

A lifelong leader in athletics, Casto coached high school football at James Wood High School in Winchester, VA and at Warren County High School in Front Royal, VA. Casto went on to coach at The College of William & Mary for seven years. He later coached and then served as Athletic Director for 16 years at The Newport News Apprentice School. Bill’s legacy of leadership in athletics also includes the decade he spent as Executive Director/Commissioner of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Post-retirement, Bill brought the same focus and passion to wood carving. Bill’s unique approach to carving required him to find and select weathered and interesting wood, often hundreds of years old to carve interpretive or stylized pieces of art. Over the years, he created several award-winning wood sculptures using found driftwood from local waters.

Bill was a host at heart. He loved organizing reunions with his old friends from the ‘60s, bringing friends and family together at his home, and always making sure that everyone felt welcome.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Casto. His memory is left to be cherished by his daughter, Katie. If you knew Bill, then you already know all about Katie. Being Katie’s Dad was his proudest accomplishment.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at his residence. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.