William Basilian Pendergast

Bill was Born in Newport, RI, to Thomas and Lilian (Jackowski) Pendergast. Raised in Newport's Fifth Ward. Attended De La Salle Academy and later graduated from Salve University.

Bill grew up in Newport and attended St. Augustin's School, De La Salle Academy, and Salve Regina College. As a young man, he was active and athletic. He won the New England Regional Roller Skating Championship in the 1950s. Joined the Newport Police Department in 1967 and retired in 1988 after more than 20 years as Sergeant. He continued working for the department as IT manager until he retired.

Bill leaves behind his wife of 45+ years, Sophia and his children Barbara Pendergast Thomas of Marlboro, MA, Judy Roberts (Don), Newark, OH, Bill Pendergast (Tawnia) Deltona, FL, Christine Corpus, of Alameda, California, Tiffany Bowens, N. Charleston, SC, Julie Mott (Kevin) of Alexandria. VA, Jessica D'Amore, Newport, RI. His siblings, Sr. Mary Pendergast and Patricia Pendergast-Mitola, as well as 16 grandchildren and 8 great grand grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Vanessa Anne Pendergast and his grandson, Billy Pendergast and his sister Connie Krous, and his brother Thomas Pendergast.

After Vanessa's passing, Bill along with many Rhode Island families became a founding member of Families Insisting on Safe Student Transportation (FISST), an organization that successfully lobbied for legislation requiring school bus monitors on all K-5 school buses in Rhode Island, as well as 8 other safety mandates. Since the mandate in 1986, no children have been killed by buses when a monitor was present. Prior to this mandate, there was at least one school bus-related fatality each year between 1979 and 1986.

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Funeral Services are private