William G. Savastano
Obituary
William G. Savastano Sr., 81, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, surrounded by the love and presence of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was the devoted husband of Sylvia M. (Rezendes) Savastano, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising a close-knit family of five children and creating cherished memories over 52 years in their North Smithfield home.
Born in Providence, William was the son of the late Saverino and Concetta (DiGregorio) Savastano. He had resided in Cumberland for the past five years, having previously lived in North Smithfield and Johnston.
William was a proud graduate of La Salle Academy and Providence College. He later earned his law degree from Suffolk Law School, marking the beginning of a distinguished career.
Mr. Savastano built a successful law practice in North Smithfield, William G. Savastano Law, where he worked alongside his longtime friend and colleague, Robert H. Larder. Over the course of his 50-year career, he served as a probate judge for the town of North Smithfield and was deeply dedicated to helping others through his work. He found great fulfillment in litigation, often focusing on general family law, and was a respected Supreme Court and Appellate attorney.
Affectionately known as Bill, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time in South County, boating, and fishing. A devoted family man, Bill cherished every moment with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He took immense pride in watching them grow, thrive academically, and succeed in sports, always offering his unwavering support and love.
“Life wasn’t always easy for William and Sylvia, but they embraced every challenge together, working through each day with love, dedication, and persistence. When William lost his arm at about 20 years old after graduating from Providence College, he didn’t let the setback define him. With Sylvia’s unwavering support, he learned to write with his left hand, graduated from law school, and raised two children during the process. A polio survivor in his youth and later a cancer survivor, William never allowed his physical ailments to limit him. He lived without boundaries, facing life’s obstacles head-on, and fought with resilience and strength until the day he died. For 58 years, William and Sylvia chose each other—sharing every joy, hardship, and milestone. Their love was a testament to the beauty of choosing each other, every day, for a lifetime.”
In addition to his wife, he leaves his five children, William G. Savastano Jr. of Cumberland, Sylvia M. Smith and her husband William of Lincoln, Gregory J. Savastano and his wife Gretchen of Illinois, Thomas S. Savastano and his wife Gina of Illinois, and Michael Vincent Saverino Savastano of Warwick; his grandchildren, Gabrielle Smith, Spencer Smith, Kelsey Smith, Valentina Savastano, Pauly Liang, Milana Savastano, Sienna Savastano, Jackson Savastano, Brooklyn Savastano and Sophia Savastano. He also leaves his sister, Linda Ventura and her husband Anthony of South Carolina; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition he leaves his beloved Shih Tzu's Enzo, Raffael and Saverino.
William G. Savastano
Providence, RI United States - Friday, February 07, 2025 at 14:14:59 (EST)