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Mario Castillo Obituary

Our beloved former Marine entered into his final rest on Saturday, July 26, 2008 surrounded by his wife and children.

Mario Castillo Sr. was the fourth child born to Bruno Castillo Sr. and the former Maria Hernandez on Dec. 3, 1931 in Mercedes, Texas. He and his siblings helped work the family ranch until 1951 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps and fought for his country during the Korean Conflict. He received an Honorable Discharge and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, U.N. Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Mr. Castillo worked in farming until 1988, when he took a position working for Kings County as a process server. He retired in 2004.

Throughout his life, Mr. Castillo was a defender of our country and a staunch Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees fan; he was passionate about his right to be right and would move heaven and earth to help his fellow man. Mr. Castillo was always involved in community affairs and could be counted on to help make the community a safer place to live. For his endeavors, he was named Kings County Peace Officers Citizen of the Year in 1986.

Mr. Castillo was preceded in death by his brothers, Cezar Castillo and Jose Castillo and his step-son Tony Casas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Rosario; his daughters and their husbands, Maria and Don Martin, Frances and Manuel Mejias, Norma and Lupe Vera Sr., Aida and Michael Guzman; his sons, Mario Castillo Jr., Martin and his partner Bill Addonizio, Marcos Castillo, Marcelo and his wife Traci; his grandchildren, Linda Felix, Lisa Shaulis, Nina Vera, Michael Mejias, Michelle Putnam, Cady Mejias, Lupe Vera Jr., Monica Vera, Amanda Guzman, Ashley Guzman, Tristano Castillo, Mark Castillo, Erik Castillo, Steven Castillo, Nickolas Castillo, Jordan Castillo and Julianna Castillo; and 12 great-grandchildren. Mr. Castillo is also survived by his step-children, Gustavo and Aurelia Casas, Joe and Janet Casas, Hugo and Josie Chavez, David Casas and their families; his sisters, Francisca Santos, Elida Davila and Josefina Reyes; his brothers, Bruno, Guadalupe, Frank, Oscar, Abraham, Aaron, Alfonso and Joaquin; and many cherished extended family members.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for the friendship and kindness bestowed by so many during Mr. Castillo's illness.

The Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 31 at Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Services Chapel in Hanford. Mass will be officiated at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Hanford. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Hanford.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Hanford Sentinel on Jul. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Mario Castillo

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Joe & Lupe Casillas

August 19, 2008

I am sorry to learn of the passing of my "friend" Mario. I met the Castillo family when I began my law enforcement career in the 1970's being assigned to the Avenal and Kettleman City substations. Mario was always pro law enforcement willing to help and more a dependable friend when called upon. God Bless the Castillo family.

Nick and Edna Ivans

August 16, 2008

We were so sorry to read of the passing of our friend, Mario. We had great respect for him and send our sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Hector Vega

August 15, 2008

Rest in Peace Mr. Castillo.

Wayne and Debra Brabant

July 31, 2008

Our hearts go out to the Castillo family in this most difficult time. The loss of someone so close is so difficult to bear. We will always remember Mario and his kind heart and generious ways.

John Estes Cmdr. KCSO (retired)

July 31, 2008

It was a geunine honor to be able to call Mario "friend." I held him in the highest regard and respect. He served his family, his community, and his country well. I first met Mario back in the 80's when assigned to the westside area. He was considered a good friend of law enforcement. I'll miss him. My best to the family.

Jim, Sue, Megan & Katie O'Neil

July 31, 2008

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Please be comforted in knowing that God is with you.

Mark Bradford

July 30, 2008

May God be with you and your family!

Bertha & John Garcia

July 30, 2008

Our most sincer sympathy for the Castillo Family and his extended family.He was a good honest man we will keep him and all of you in our prayers thru this hard and sad moments in your lifes.

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