Raul Calderon Castro

In loving memory of Raul Calderon Castro.

Raul Calderon Castro of Ventura went to be with the Lord on Nov. 15, 2008. Raul was born in Santa Paula, Calif., on March 1, 1936, to Abelino Ramos Castro Sr., and Rosalia Calderon Castro.

Raul was preceded in death by his parents, Abelino and Rosalie Castro; brothers, Arnulfo, Rudolpho, Ramon and Abelino Castro, Jr.; sister, Maria Del Carmen; and brothers-in-law, John Chacon and Fernando Cuevas.

He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 53 years, Marcella Velasquez Castro; children, Raul (Lenore) Castro, Denise Castro Salinas, Tim (Judy) Castro, and Alicia (Johnny) Quintero; and his adored grandchildren, Rosalia, Michelle and Alyssa Salinas; Melina, Marcella and Mela Castro; Jonniece Quintero; and Christina, Jazma Amezola and Tomas Vidaca; great-grandchildren, Anthony and Franky Carra, Jordan Watts, Emilio Castro and Meliah Ceja; brothers: Robert (Della) Castro of Ventura, Gilbert (Jill) Castro of Mission Viejo; sisters, Josephine Cuevas of Fresno, Frances Chacon of El Rio; and sisters-in-law, Emily, Conssuelo, and Alice Castro of Ventura; and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and dear friends.

Raul served his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. He loved to tell those who would listen of his many adventures in the service. He was a loving and loyal servant to God and was always willing to help everyone in their times of need. We who knew him are blessed to have known him, and he will live in our hearts forever. He never met a stranger and always shared his ideas or thoughts with all.

After many years of working in the construction industry, he became a certified heavy duty mechanic. After 28 years of service, he retired from the CBC Naval Base in Port Hueneme, Calif., as a civil engineer.

His hobbies included taking photography classes and studying real estate. He was a jokester and was known as a person who encouraged and inspired others.

Raul found his passion in wood carving, and he joined the Channel Islands Carving Club. He excelled in this hobby so well that he taught courses at Anacapa Junior High. Many times you would find him volunteering at his grandchildren's local schools teaching them the fundamentals of wood carving.

One of his many endeavors included the restoration of the San Buenaventura Mission bells that had deteriorated with time; also, when the statue of St. Isodore was vandalized and destroyed at the Mission, he reconstructed the head with the help of friends from the carving club. This statue now stands intact at the San Buenaventura Mission. His other credits were carving owls for Olivas Adobe in Ventura, along with the many figurines that he gave to his family and friends who were fortunate to have received from him.

Prior to his accident as a volunteer for Habitat to Humanity, he was a dedicated and active member of the Knights of Columbus, Past Grand Knight and 4th Degree Color Corps. He loved golfing in his spare time and became a member of Mexican-American Golf Association (MAGA), Ventura County chapter. His passion was always helping others, where he became a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, utilizing his many skills and knowledge to build homes for underprivileged recipients. The joy that he had in his heart was seeing the faces of those whom he had helped. After his accident on Oct. 17, 2001, where he was brain-damaged from a fall while working on a home for Habitat, he still lived with his injuries seven more years. He was a role model for many because he strived to overcome many obstacles. He was always advising others to continue their education.

Dad, we will not grieve for you as we know that you are now in the Lord's house, where you will no longer have any pains. You will always remain in our hearts. You have shown us so very much and we will continue to serve the Lord as you have taught us. You are now a beautiful angel in Heaven joining your mom and dad and brothers and sister, where we know that you will always be watching over us, and that brings us comfort. We will miss you forever; but we have faith that one day we will join you in our Lord's home.

The Castro family wishes to extend their appreciation to the many persons who cared for him during his time of need.

A viewing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at Reardon's Mortuary, 757 E. Main St., Ventura, Calif. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at Our Lady of the Assumption. Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at Our Lady of the Assumption, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura. Burial will follow after Mass at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 North H St., Oxnard.

Mr. Castro has been entrusted to the care of the family-owned Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, Ventura, Calif. 805-643-8623.