THOMAS J. CASTELLO Jr.

SAN ANGELO - Thomas J. (Jack) Castello Jr., 75, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, in Shannon Hospital. He was born in 1932 in San Angelo to Mildred and Thomas J. Castello Sr. Jack's parents moved to Fort Worth when he was very young, and while living there, he contracted polio. Like many in that time, his family was told he would never walk. Happily, Jack's health improved, and later his family moved to the Tulsa, Okla., area where he attended area schools until 1949, when his family moved back to San Angelo. He graduated from Lake View High School in 1951 and attended SAC until January of 1952, when he joined the Air Force. He served in enlisted rank for 6 years and then re-enlisted and attended OCS and served another 6 years in the Strategic Air Command. He resigned his commission as a captain. Jack loved people and was a salesman for the rest of his working life. He worked for Tenant Company, an industrial equipment manufacturer in Tennessee, for 9 years after his time in the Air Force. After moving his family back to San Angelo in 1973, he worked for Boss Irrigation Co. for many years, traveling all over the Southwestern U.S., Northwestern U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Jack's love of people carried over into his personal life, and he volunteered his time and talents to many worthwhile organizations in San Angelo. Two of his favorite activities were cooking at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and delivering for Meals on Wheels. Jack served as a board member at the soup kitchen until his declining health forced him to stop active service there. He also volunteered in various capacities for Project Dignidad. He volunteered at the Palmer Drug Abuse Program when it opened at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, and he also served as a deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church from 1957. For more than 30 years he sang in the choir, taught adult Sunday school, sponsored youth groups, and served as an elder and trustee at St. Paul Presbyterian Church. Jack is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joan Park Castello; sons Jeff Castello and Shannon of Tampa, Fla.; daughter Janelle Roth and Mike of Nanuet, N.Y.; daughter Jeannine Shannon and Brian of Lubbock, Texas; grandsons Jonathan and Thomas Roth; granddaughter Julia Shannon; sister Pansie Jay and Robert of Eldorado; brother Ken Castello and Linda of Wylie, Texas; brother James Castello and Colleen of Bronte, Texas; sister-in-law Nancy Dory and Tom of Gladstone, Mo.; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews around the country. The family gratefully acknowledges and appreciates the care and comfort provided by doctors, nurses and staff at Shannon Medical Center during the last several years and these last few weeks. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful family and friends of St. Paul Presbyterian Church, who sustained Jack and his family with their love, humor, presence, and prayers during his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Meals for the Elderly, 310 E. Houston Harte, San Angelo, TX 76903; Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, 301 W. 18th St., San Angelo, TX 76903; St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 11 N. Park, San Angelo, TX 76901; or the American Diabetes Association. Memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Craig Meyer and the Rev. Glenda Harbert officiating.

November 12, 2007
David and Carol Herreman, Lewisville TX
Dear Joan and Family We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Jack's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. May God provide you with comfort and peace. Sincerely,