William J. Castagna facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William J. Castagna
Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
In office June 29, 1992 – December 18, 2020
Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
In office July 24, 1979 – June 29, 1992
Appointed by	Jimmy Carter
Preceded by	Seat established by 92 Stat. 1629
Succeeded by	Susan C. Bucklew
Personal details
Born	William John Castagna (1924-06-25)June 25, 1924 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	December 18, 2020(2020-12-18) (aged 96)
Education	Fredric G. Levin College of Law (LLB, JD)

William John Castagna was an important judge in the United States. He served in a special court for the Middle District of Florida. He was born on June 25, 1924, and passed away on December 18, 2020, at the age of 96.

Early Life and Education

William Castagna was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Air Force during World War II, from 1943 to 1945.

After his military service, he went to college. He studied law at the Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. He earned his first law degree in 1949. Later, he received another advanced law degree from the same school in 1967.

Legal Career

Before becoming a judge, William Castagna worked as a lawyer. He had his own law practice in Miami, Florida, from 1949 to 1950. He then moved his practice to Clearwater, Florida, where he worked from 1950 until 1979.

Becoming a Federal Judge

In 1979, United States President Jimmy Carter chose William Castagna to be a federal judge. He was nominated for a new judge position in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

The United States Senate approved his nomination on July 23, 1979. He officially became a judge the very next day. Judge Castagna served actively on the court until June 29, 1992. After this, he took on a "senior status," which meant he still helped the court but with a lighter workload.