Sebastian P. Castellanos

Sebastian Castellanos died peacefully at home on Sunday morning, August 14, 2022, attended by his children. Having turned 96 years old this past June, he was vibrant and fiercely independent until the recent and unexpected onset of his last illness.

A loving and beloved man, Sebastian was born in Roseville, California on June 20, 1926, the third of six children born to Pilar and Efigenia (Pena) Castellanos. He spent an adventurous childhood in Mexico, returned as an adult to the United States, and served as an artilleryman and instructor during the Korean War, his military service being one of his proudest achievements.

Post-war, he settled in Los Angeles (LA), where he met Liduvina Diaz, whom he impressed with his immaculate looks and elegant dance moves. They married in 1954 and had three children. His love of math and analysis led him to studies in accounting and a career specializing in Information Technology. Retiring after 25 years at the LA Department of Water and Power where he attained the position of Information Systems Supervisor, he was ahead of his time in his fascination with computing and its transformational power.

Sebastian delighted in traveling, American musicals, Mexican boleros and rancheras, classical concerts, and everything that was "good food." He read widely, was constantly learning, and encouraged his children to acquire knowledge and to enjoy the opportunities the world offered. A recreational poker player who competed and often "won big," he relished trips to the casino. A devoted sports fan, Sebastian cheered on his lifelong favorites: the LA Dodgers, Lakers, Raiders, and Rams. A passionate believer in justice for all people and good citizenship, Sebastian religiously followed politics and the news.

Above all, Sebastian cherished his family; this deep love defined his priorities. Successive generations of children found a home in his house, where no one could have had a more welcoming or generous father, grandfather, or great-grandfather. Family members could find a place to rest and restore in his home. Great breakfasts, heartfelt conversations, and activities shared with relatives fueled his life.

Sebastian's legacy extends across five generations. He will be missed by his wife, Liduvina; his children Patricia, Daniel, and Rachel; his grandsons Gabriel and Dario; his great-grandchildren Jesse, Ariel, and Jacob; his great-great-grandson, Roman Sebastian; his surviving sisters Carmen, Norma, and Maria (Cuca); many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.

Sebastian used to call to say that he had arrived home "sano y salvo de todo peligro (safe and sound)." We say to him now, "Que llegues sano y salvo a la casa de Dios, Querido Sebastian. Que decanses bien y que disfrutes estar con los seres queridos que te esperan alli. (May you arrive safe and sound at God's house, Dear Sebastian. May you rest well and enjoy being with the loved ones who await you there.)"