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Hector Castañeda
1931 - 2023
Hector Castañeda
1931 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1931
DIED
2023
Hector Castañeda Obituary
Hector Castañeda passed away peacefully in Chino Hills, California on February 6, 2023 at the age of 92.
He was born on January 19, 1931 in Moline, Kansas. His father was Antonio Santos Castañeda born in Mexico City, Mexico and his mother was Alexandria Gallardo born in Zacatecas, Mexico. He grew up in the small town of Olpe, Kansas and graduated from Argentine High School where after graduation he joined the Army. He met and married his first wife Sophie Montes and they had 7 children together until her early passing at age 27. He later met his 2nd wife Renee Jones and they had 3 children together. They later divorced.
After his military service he went to school and received a degree in electronics. He was quickly hired by Northrop Aerospace (Northrop Grumman) as an engineer for their missile systems division. This opportunity brought him and his family to Santa Fe Springs, California in 1960. He worked with Northrop for 34 years where he received many awards and accolades for his work. He also mentored other engineers, many whom he inspired to higher achievements.
He coached little league baseball for a number of years even after his own kids had grown beyond the age to play. He also mentored the kids he coached, and many of them tracked him down years later to thank him for helping them in their lives.
Hector was passionate about his work, his family and the importance of education. He enjoyed sports, camping, music, and he was always at all of his kid’s athletic events. He was a great Dad and we are proud to be his children.
He is survived by his daughters, Rozana Valencia, Ramona Castañeda, Gina Cervantes and husband David, Mia Almada, his sons, Randy Castañeda Sr. and wife Diane, Anthony Castañeda and wife Teri, Robert Castañeda and wife Tami, Richard Castañeda and wife Lorraine, Paul Castañeda and Jaime Castañeda as well as 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is predeceased by 2 grandchildren, Carissa Castañeda and Jason Castañeda.
For sympathy flower tributes, please visit queenofheavenflorist.com or "Le Fleur" florist at (562) 698-1010
Le Fleur Floral Couture
12103 Slauson Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
20 Entries
Gina Cervantes
March 11, 2023
Miss you so much dad!
Laurie Kenlein
March 9, 2023
I love you Gramps! You’ll be missed! RIP
Anita Gonzales
March 8, 2023
Sending my deepest condolences to you & your families. Prayers & hugs to all. Keep his memories alive.
Britt Contreras
March 8, 2023
How you can show support
Britt Contreras
March 8, 2023
Britt Contreras
March 8, 2023
Britt Contreras
March 8, 2023
Papa, I think sometimes I’ll wake up and it will just be a dream. In fact, I had many dreams since & I cried in my sleep because you were gone but then I woke up and realized it wasn’t a dream. I see you shining through the cloudy days when somehow the sun rays beam through. I see you when a bird flies right across my windshield, as I’m driving. I hear you in the songs that play. I think my brain has gone to protective mode because I haven’t really cried. I’ve said you’re gone but it doesn’t seem real. Making your slideshow, I had to desensitize myself from it. I guess what I’m trying to say papa, Who am I going to get my donuts and grand slam breakfast with. Who’s going to tell me the story of how I told you when I was 3, “Remember Papa, Never walk alone” before we crossed the threshold at the park. You always said that you believe it was Sophie coming through, through me to give you the message. Can you please let me hear your voice louder in my head, see your face more in dreams and visions? I love you Papa. I’ll never walk alone knowing you are still by my side.
Giana always tells everyone that her Papa is in Heaven and that she misses you too. Savvy says “Papa” when she sees your photo and I’ll forever continue to keep your legacy alive by letting Giana, Savannah and Ava know your stories. Love, Britt-Britt, Baby Tubo, Chucky, Munchkin.
David Cervantes
March 8, 2023
Dear Mr. “C”,
You were an incredible mentor and role model to an impressionable young man. I went from playing checkers to
learning how to play chess in the game of life.
You stimulated me mentally and intellectually by teaching me how to see life from a bigger point of view.
Like the pebble in the pondteaching me every action has an equal or greater reaction. With your unwavering patience and guidance, you helped prepare me for my career in public service.
You are a MAN I have always respected, acknowledged, and endeared. I consider myself grateful and blessed to be a part of You and Your Family.
Thank you, Mr. “C” for always being there for me and my family. I will always “pay it forward” because of you.
Look forward to seeing your smiling face again.
Love, David
Nellie Peters
March 7, 2023
Hector, I remember the great conversation’s we had on weekend’s. I will and have missed them, tremendously. And I will miss you forever.
But I know the heaven’s are rejoicing in your coming. All our love ones that have gone before you will be celebrating and welcoming you.
Until we meet again, I say good night, good night my dear brother. Nellie
David Cervantes
March 1, 2023
Dear Mr “C”
You were an incredible mentor and role model to an impressionable young man. I went from playing checkers to learning how to play chess in the game of life.
You stimulated me mentally and intellectually by teaching how to see life from a bigger point of view.
Like the pebble in the pond.teaching me every reaction has an equal or greater reaction. With your unwavering patience and guidance.you help prepare me for my career in public service.
Your a MAN I have always respected acknowledged and endeared. I considered myself grateful and blessed to apart of You and Your Family.
Thank you Mr “C” for always being there for me and my family. I will always “pay it forward” because of you.
Look forward to seeing your smiling face again.
Love David
Ben and Lily Morales
February 25, 2023
We Loved you Tio you where an example of goodness to all of us. Say hi to Tia for us. Ben and Lily Morales
Becky Barajas
February 21, 2023
Thank you Grampy & Godfather,
You were always there to inspire, motivate, laugh with, joke with. Our biggest support. Gave us all love and in the toughest times, showed us strength. I miss you everyday and already see signs from you. I will always remember to be humble and love the way you did. Your legacy lives on in all of us!
Forever in my heart, Baby B (Tiger Eyes) P.S EXISTING!
Dean Cuccio
February 16, 2023
Grew up with Hector and the whole family as neighbors in SFS. The Castaneda clan became a 2nd family for me and Hector was an inspiration to look up to. He was a dedicated father, provider, and mentor, not only for his children but for neighbors like me and my sisters. I was at the house so much I think he claimed 11 kids on his taxes! He will be missed.
February 16, 2023
Wow! What legacy to leave behind (children and grandchildren). May you all celebrate his life and find comfort with his peace.
Maria Castaneda
February 13, 2023
Dear Brother Hector,
No words to describe you & that smile! U r just sleeping! U will be missed!
Sophie Eddy
February 13, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I have wonderful family memories. I love you Tio!
Your niece,
Sophie Eddy
Gina Cervantes
February 10, 2023
In memory of our loving and wonderful Dad!
Love You Dad!
Gina Cervantes
February 10, 2023
In loving memory of our wonderful Dad!
Tears of love and sadness stream down my face every moment I think of him. My heart is breaking knowing that I will never see my dad's smile or hear him say my name “Ginnaaa” when I would walk into his room. I recently said on my birthday, the greatest gift is time. It’s so true. All the time I got to spend with my dad whether it was laughing, sitting in silence, or taking care of him at his vulnerable and weakest moments, was a blessing. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. I will cherish all my moments with him because he was an amazing and genuine man and dad. He gave so much of himself to everyone and never asked for anything in return. He truly was selfless!! I’m going to miss him so, so, so very much.
Dad thank you for always loving me and being there for my family and me. For always giving me advice in your analytical fashion. You always provided for me, laughed, and showed your love unconditionally. ❤ You were everything a girl could ask for in a dad and more. You always supported me and made me feel like I could accomplish anything!
I’m grateful I got to be your daughter and that I got to celebrate your 92nd birthday with you last month.
Rest in heaven!
I LOVE YOU DAD- BP#1
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
2161 S. Fullerton Rd., Rowland Heights, CA 91748
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