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BORN
1933
DIED
2016
Joseph Castillo Obituary
Former State Senator Joseph A. Castillo passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, May 28, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy of 64 years and their loving family namely their four children Steve (Kristy), Dorthina (Jean Patrick), Karl (Barbara Mendizabal) and Eric (Charlene). He and Dorothy have 9 Grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Rita, brothers Phillip (Patsy) and Paul (Andrea) and Trini Quiroz, his only surviving aunt, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was born December 26, 1933 in Santa Monica, CA. The family moved to Belen, New Mexico when he was 5 yrs. old to the family farm before moving to Tucson in 1943 when he was 10 yrs. old. He married Dorothy in 1952 and in 1958 he founded Astro Blueprint & Supply, INC., a reproduction, drafting/engineering supply company, one of two minority owned business in Arizona that was family operated. He sold the business in 1992. He loved the great state of Arizona and held multiple elected offices. First as a South Tucson City Councilman from 1961-1966 and was Acting Mayor. He also was a Volunteer Fireman and Chairman of the Housing Authority when he brought the first public housing to town. He later was elected the first Hispanic to the Arizona State Senate and served from 1967-1972. He was then elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors in 1973-1976 and became the first Hispanic to serve as Chairman of the Board. In 1988 he was a member of Arizona Delegation for the United States Electoral College. From 1994-2003 until he retired he was President and CEO of the Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council, a non-profit, nationally affiliated organization dedicated to certifying minority businesses and providing contracting opportunities by corporate members. He served as a volunteer and was President of the Beatitudes Auxiliary from 2009-2013. Funeral service at 10:00 AM Saturday June 4, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish, 4715 N. Central, Phoenix 85012, followed by burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix 85008. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Beatitudes Auxiliary at beatitudescampus.org/auxiliary or Hospice of the Valley at hov.org. Our family extends our deepest gratitude to all his doctors and medical caregivers, as well as family and friends. Visit hansenmortuary.com for condolences.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Castillo
Edward Rios
September 20, 2019
Dear friend, I would like to share this obituary with you.Joe was a great political thinker.Always involving other people and young people such as myself. I remember going to meetings with him and his favorite friend Sonny from the manufacturing industry.To Joes and Dorthy credit he had wonderful kids at Cholla High School. I specifically remember Dorthina being involved in student council with me.Hid Bless your family!
Marissa Gavica
June 13, 2016
Dear Karl and family
We are sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We are here for you. Love always, Marissa, Denise and family.
June 12, 2016
Aunt Dorothy,
I have such wonderful memories of growing up with the both of you and my cousins in my life. I really enjoyed Thanksgivings at Grandma and Grandpa Castillo's in Belen, New Mexico or out in Mesa Verde, Arizona. Uncle Joe would pen a quick note to me while I was in college to encourage my studies--it was easily to pick out his letters with that beautiful and distinctive handwriting of his. Thank you again for preforming the readings at Lee's and my marriage ceremony in Belen, NM. Lee, Russell and I will hold you all in our prayers.
Go with God, Elaine Brouillard
West Richland, Washington
Patricia Puig
June 4, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. I remember the times we all get together and his sense of humor and kindness. Even though it's been a while since we've seen each other there's all those memories of all the good times we've had. May he rest in peace. May God bless Joe and all of the family.
Barbara Mendizabal
June 4, 2016
My Dear Castillo Family,
My heart is in pieces as I think of not being there with you at this time. Words can not describe how much I will miss the presence of my father-in-law, Joe. I will miss his kind heart, his laughter, his dancing, signing and his guided tours every time we visited Arizona. But mostly, I will miss all the little details that meant so much, such as his greeting cards, his singing happy birthday over the phone and how he would send holiday cards that would be inclusive of what ever pet we had at the time. I thank God for having brought Karl into my life 26 years ago because not only did I meet the love of my life, but I was blessed with having Joe and Dorothy as loving and supporting in-laws. Joe will forever live in his grandchildren and great grandchildren as they will continue to contribute to humanity the same way Joe gave to all of those he came across. He was not only a great man, but a bigger than life father, grandfather, an adoring great grandfather, and a loving brother and uncle who was proud of his family. I Love you all, Barbara
Carolina Castillo
June 4, 2016
Dear Grandma and Family,
Sorry I was not there to give you a hug. We will miss Grandpa so much. He will always be in our thoughts and hearts. He was an amazing person and we will all miss him so much. Love you all, Carolina Castillo
rozan Mardosian
June 3, 2016
Dearest Dorthina,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we are sending you much love and wishes of comfort.
"You Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.' Psalm 18:28
Rozan with SuperShuttle Burbank
Terri Rodriguez
June 2, 2016
Dorothy and family,Am deeply sorry to hear of Joe's passing. You and he were wonderful friends to my parents, Joe and Maria Luisa Rodriguez when Joe was in the South Tucson Fire Dept. May God give all of you consolation to carry on.
June 2, 2016
May he rest in peace and may God comfort the family. sister Corina Padilla
Elizabeth & Marc Miller
June 2, 2016
We have good memories of Mr.Castillo as an individual and of the Castillo family from our years in South Tucson and Santa Cruz church/school. His was a life well lived and we wish you peace.
Carl Edmiston
June 2, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss of a great man. Words alone just can't describe how great Joe was. He gave me my first job in the Blueprinting business with Astro Blueprint in Tucson and then moved me to the Phoenix office in 84. He was a hard working man that taught me what working truly was. I remember working many nights and weekends on projects at the shop with Joe he made it fun to be there. He treated everyone very kindly. Joe and the whole family treated me like their own family. He helped me so much in life. I am lucky to have know Joe and I will miss him. Rest in Peace Joe.
Rosalie Rodriguez Chaidez
June 2, 2016
Dorthina and family, I am a classmate of yours at Santa Cruz School, (Rosalie Rodriguez). Please accept my condolences and prayers in the passing of your Dad. You and your family were always so gracious and nice the times I was at you home. I know what you are experiencing at this time, I have lost both parents. He will live on in your memory and hearts. Praying for you and your family. Rosalie Rodriguez Chaidez chandler, Az [email protected]
Laura Vasquez Loebe
June 1, 2016
My deepest sympathy to all the family! What a fantastic gentle soul he was! My prayers and love are with all of you! God bless you!
Louis (Red) and Stella Leal and family
June 1, 2016
Condolences from the Leal family in Tucson. So many happy memories of the times we spent with you all in Tucson. Joe was a good man who is leaving an incredible legacy for his family and community.
Charmaine Mendez Hill
June 1, 2016
Such wonderful memories of the warm, outgoing family friend and family man that was Joe.
He did so much for "The Old Pueblo" (Tucson) with his vision for the future and his love for the community.
To Dorothy, Dorthina, Steve, Eric, and Karl- May all your wonderful memories bring you strength during this difficult time, then joy again soon after. Peace, love, and healing.
Herb Romaniuk
June 1, 2016
Dorthina,
Bronwyn and I extend our deepest sympathy on your sad loss.
We are rarely prepared for the pain that is caused by the passing of a parent.
We share your sorrow.
With much love,
Herb
Salpointe Catholic High School
June 1, 2016
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Castillo family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
June 1, 2016
Dorothy, I'm thinking of you. While I know you and the family are relieved that Joe's mighty suffering has ended, it's still such heartbreak to lose someone whom you love so dearly.
Te quiero -
Barbara Glenn
Jean luc Grilhault des fontaines
June 1, 2016
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Joe . We will always remember the good moments we had in Phoenix . With our kind memories and prayers . Jean luc et Beatrice
Christopher Mouflard
June 1, 2016
Family first with an endless heart compassionately pointed at the community. Joe became my grandfather when my dad met his beautiful daughter (now my mum#2). Joe inspired us all - to find the silver lining and to pursue everything with an educated purpose. Grateful and honored are words that come to mind when i think how fortunate i am to have had him in my life. To my grandma Dorthy, Erik, Karl, Steve and my mum (#2) - I love you all. Joe lives on in all of us. We will love him forever. We will all see you soon. Lest we forget.
Carmen Marechal
June 1, 2016
Dortina and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Phil Kinney
June 1, 2016
Joe was a good man who cared about the people of Arizona as well as his family. I hung out with Eric and Karl in the 70's and know how much they loved their dad. Vaya con Dios Joseph!
Ken Harcrow
June 1, 2016
With heavy heart;
My deepest sympathy for you and your family Dorthina
C L
June 1, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help the Castillo family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13
Eddie Rios
June 1, 2016
Let's not forget all the contributions Joe made to South Tucson, Tucson and Pima County as an elected official. I enjoyed Joe allowing young people become involved in the political process .
Eddie G Rios
Tucson Az
June 1, 2016
Mrs. Castillo, Dorthina, Steve, Karl and Eric,
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jesse Lugo
Tucson, AZ
June 1, 2016
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mel
May 31, 2016
I was saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was a great guy who taught me a lot as a young graduate right out of ASU. He was a great resource for business and politics in Phoenix. I enjoyed working for him and it was great to call him my friend. He will truly be missed! I will keep his family in prayer and send my love to his wife and children.
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