Andrew L. Bastone

Andrew L. Bastone 1928-2025

Andrew passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters, on April 30th, 2025 after living a long, full, and happy life. He was 96 years old.

Andrew, son of Angelo and Angela (Mongone) Bastone, grew up on the farm in Cranston Rhode Island where he and his father started an apple orchard that still exists as Pippin Orchard. In addition to farm work he was an avid 4H member and model maker (cars & planes) - an activity he later shared with his grandchildren. Of proud Italian-American descent, he was the first to attend college and graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Prior to enlisting, Andrew met his wife Norma and had an epic first date enjoying Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong live - a beginning of the “wonderful life” in store for the couple. Andrew left to serve in the AirForce (active duty 1950-1953) where he spent time in Texas and Alaska during the Korean war identifying radar placements. They married in 1955 and established their first home in Rhode Island.

After time spent working with GM and US Rubber, Andrew began what turned into a long and dedicated career with Owens-Corning Fiberglass. This prompted their move from New England to Granville, Ohio where he and Norma built the home they lived in for over 50 years. Their life was filled with building a home, raising a family, enjoying many strong friendships, traveling, spending time with their children’s families, service to the community and St. Edwards Church. In 1980, they built a small home in Rhode Island, fulfilling a promise made before relocating to Ohio, allowing frequent returns to extended family and the ocean. Preferring to keep busy after retirement from Owens-Corning, Andrew and a few peers started Isorca, their own reinforced plastics consulting business. Andrew was a Rotarian and member of the Knights of Columbus.

Andrew was committed to his family, a devoted husband and wonderful and always proud father. He also liked to spend his time building and fixing things, planting trees and working outdoors to maintain his beautiful property, and helping people whenever he could. In 2014 he and Norma left their life in Ohio to return to their roots and the house in Narragansett. Soon after, they moved into the home of their daughter Linda and her family in Greenfield, Massachusetts where they lived and received loving care for over 10 years. With daughter Sandy and her family in the same town, life included lots of family time and extended visits to Rhode Island. Andrew and Norma joyfully celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on April 16th of this year.

Andrew had to give up a few things that he enjoyed a little earlier in life than he would have chosen. Things like: walking independently, being the driver, continuing to help his daughters and sons (their husbands) with house projects. Despite this, his attitude was positive and resilient, and he remained kind, grateful and ready with a smile. He taught us how to grow with and accept change. He welcomed new pursuits - like enjoying the view on car trips, becoming an avid reader and a more avid baseball and football fan. He stayed interested in current events and delighted in hearing about the lives of his grandchildren. He especially loved it any time the family was able to gather together.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Norma; his children and their spouses, Sandy Bastone and Terence McSweeney, Linda and Michael Byrne, and grandchildren & their spouses, Andrew McSweeney & Iris Laurent, Zoe & Christos Lekkas, Matthew & Liz Byrne and Jaime Byrne.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to a cause you care about.

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