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David Castro Obituary

DAVID CASTRO David Guillermo Castro was born in Los Angeles, Jan. 15, 1955. Raised in Los Angeles, David played football and graduated from Cantwell High School, where he continued onto Rio Hondo Junior College, then transferred to Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University). At S.U.U., Dave earned All-American honors in 1978 as a linebacker, still holding the school's single-season record for tackles with 186. Upon graduation, Dave came to Las Vegas and became a teacher in the Clark County School District, launching an impressive career in high school football as an assistant coach at Clark, Valley, Green Valley, Bonanza and Durango. He served as head coach at El Dorado high school for two years. From 2005 to present, Dave taught and coached at Palo Verde High School. As defensive coordinator, he helped lead the Panthers to Sunset Region titles in 2006 and 2008. Dave loved his family, football, riding his Harley and barbecuing, in that order. His two sons, David, a freshman football player at Fort Lewis College, Colorado, and Jacob "Jake", a sophomore and J.V. football player at Palo Verde High School, are his greatest accomplishments. A devoted father, son, brother, friend, coach and partner, Dave impacted the lives of all around him. As well, he was the ultimate biker. He owned two Harleys and rode whenever he had time or could make the time, gaining more close friends and riding buddies throughout the years. Dave passed away suddenly Oct. 17, 2009. He is survived by his mother, Edna Castro; brother, Richard Castro (Linda); sons, David, Jr. and Jacob; life partner, Laura Orians; along with stepchildren, Jason Orians (Sandra), Mary Orians (Charles) and Justin Orians (Trish). He was preceded in death by his father, Jesus Castro, U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Visitation will be 2-4:45 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, with a funeral Mass following at 5 p.m., both at Christ the King Catholic Community Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive. Burial services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Davis Memorial Park, 6200 S. Eastern Ave.

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Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Oct. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Castro

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Suzanne Frisco-De La Torre

October 24, 2009

My deepest condolences to the Castro family. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dave's untimely passing. He has left behind a legacy in the number of young men he has influenced and molded into men of strength, character, and determination, much like the man he was. Although he was known for his tough, no nonsense nature, I will always remember him for his kind, gentle, and patient ways. For these reasons he will forever have a special place in my heart. God bless and Godspeed!
Clark High School '82

Berry Arrowsmith

October 23, 2009

To the Castro Family, my sincere condolences go out to you all and you all will be in my families prayers.

I had the pleasure of having Coach Castro as my High School Soccer Coach. I moved away from Vegas in '82 and attended college in Minnesota and went on to become a teacher and coach myself. I still use the firm but fair approach with my students and players today. These are surly skills that helped me become the person I am today.

Thanks for spending the time and being a positive role model for so many people.

Clark High School 1983

October 23, 2009

To the BEST coach I ever had!!! Will always remember your enthusiasm and zeal for the Game! Thank you for making me better! My kids will know stories of you and how you impacted my life.
Ben Ashton (US Army: GVHS ‘96)

Paula Sheehan

October 22, 2009

I really don't have the words to truly express the loss of this wonderful friend. I want to send my deepest sympathy to Laura and the whole family, we will all miss him dearly. Apparently, Greg must have needed his help more than we did. May they be riding choppers with the wind always at their backs at GODSPEED! I will never forget you Dave!

Dan Cabrera

October 22, 2009

I would like to send my condolences to the Castro family, as well as the entire Palo Verde football family. This is a very sad time for everyone that knew Coach Castro. I did not know him personally, but everyone always spoke highly of him. May God Bless everyone affected by this tragic death.

Mike Quinn

October 21, 2009

Dave,
I hope you knew how big of an influence you were in my life. I lost my own father at the age of 10 and you came into my life soon after and filled that void. Our special bond came through the game of football. You talked me into playing football in the 8th grade. Talked me into playing QB in the 10th grade (even though I wanted to be a linebacker like you), and then talked me out of quitting the team in 11th grade. Even though I moved away my senior year, I was forever changed for having spent those years with you in my life. You gave me the inner strength to keep fighting, no matter the odds. I was able to walk-on in college and then last 8 seasons in the NFL as an undrafted free agent because of YOU. I will always regret not keeping in better touch with you the last few years, but want you to know that more important than any game of football, I will be a better father to my son because I had the honor and privilege to have Dave Castro in my life. You will be in my heart forever. My prayers are with your family and the many people you have touched over the years that are grieving just like me.

Patty Romeo

October 21, 2009

Muck,
You were always such a big sweetheart with that infectious grin. Dave was my twin brother Tom's room mate at SUSC, which is where he earned the nickname Muck-Muck. You will be sorely missed and obviously loved deeply by your students and the other lives you touched in your short time on Earth. My condolences to your family.

Dennis & Carol Pessin

October 21, 2009

Our deepest sympathies to the Castro and Orians families. We enjoyed some great laughs with Dave over the years. Our sincere condolences for your tragic loss.

Amy Abdo

October 21, 2009

My deepest sympathies to Coach Castro's family. While I never played football for Coach Castro, in many ways he was a coach to me. He played such a positive role in the development of my self confidence and self esteem. He was a wonderful mentor and taught me that with committment, I could accomplish anything. He is one of life's rare gems who will always be remembered. I am thankful our paths crossed. CHS '83

Vence Hutchinson

October 21, 2009

We love you and miss you coach.
Vence Hutchinson, Clark High School Class of '83, Your first Varsity Team.

Kelli Briggs

October 21, 2009

My condolences to the entire Castro and Orians family.

Dave, words cannot even begin to say how much we miss you. Pudge wants you to say hello to Santa Claus for her. Trevor said he misses you. :) We are very lucky to have had you in our lives. You will forever be in our hearts. I miss you so much.

Love you Always,
Kelli, Trevor, and your Pudge (Lauren)

Kent Anderson

October 21, 2009

Coach Castro was the most influential person in my high school football career. Because of his persistence of training me in the weight room in the off season I was a three year Varsity letter. He took me on the road with him to may power-lifting championships. Once he even bet myself and another athlete $100 we couldn't out eat him at a Reno buffet. Let me tell you there was nothing left of that buffet. I was his teacher's assistant in weight training as well. He taught me a lot about training but mostly about people. You will be missed coach. Thank you for the years of memories.

My prayers to his family.

Sacto Ride 7/06

Muna Busailah

October 21, 2009

Dear Castro Family,

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our deepest condolences to you all for your loss.

Much love,

Michael Stone and Muna Busailah

Ashlei Pendleton

October 20, 2009

Coach Castro...I told Eric that I'm at a complete loss for words that you're gone and that I always loved seeing your smile b/c it was so infectious!!! You were such an amazing man and touched so many of our lives at Green Valley. You will be missed greatly and your legacy will live on forever.

Ashley Abdo

October 20, 2009

To Dave's family, our deepest sympathies go out to you. Dave was a wonderful coach, mentor and friend during my days at Clark High School (class of 82). Although, I have not seen Coach Castro for 20 years, I remember his energy and huge capacity to help young students. I wish I had stayed in better touch. Our deepest sympathies. Ashley Abdo (Zurich, Switzerland)

Tony Gelsone

October 20, 2009

Coach Castro was a major influence in my life. What he taught me on the ball field and in the weight room were some of my life's most valuable lessons. It was his way of working with kids that inspired me to become a teacher. I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard of his passing. My heart goes out to his family as I know he will be missed tremendously. So long coach and THANK YOU for being a part of my life. (CHS Class of 1983)

Roger Leonard

October 20, 2009

We have great memories of our times with Dave over the mpast 25 years. We coached together every summer at the Offense-Defense football camps at Sonoma State and U.C. Riverside. He was a great friend and football coach. Our deepest sympathy to all his family. Roger Leonard, Jim Buttson, Keith Froliech, Mark Gross and Tom Santoro

October 20, 2009

Dave Castro was my idol! He taught me everything I know about powerlighting and weights in general. He was a great coach and friend. He will be missed dearly.
Ron Smith
(Class of 82' CHS)

Jared Brathor

October 20, 2009

Im his son jakes best friend i live right down the street from them and I have known their family for many years. It was a very tragic loss and I am there for his family and it breaks my heart to hear he is no longer here!R.I.P Dave we miss you very much!!!!

Pam Baskin Holderfield

October 20, 2009

My heart hurts for Laura , Jason , Mary and Justin . Laura and I were best friends growing up in Memphis Tenn. She has endured many losses . I have you in my Prayers Laura .

John Larson

October 20, 2009

My condolence to Dave's family. We played football together from Pop-Warner through High School. Although I had not seen him in many years, he was a great friend and will be truly missed. All the Cantwell guys send their regards.
John (Sparky) Larson

Shane O'Reilly

October 20, 2009

Pleasure knowing this man, great attributes a genuine person.
My sincere condolences to his family.

I have great memories of my time with him over 28 years ago!
Teaching him the ways of the round ball in football (Soccer)
Shane O’Reilly, “England Man” as he called me.
Clark HS 79-82
Sadly missed from the UK

Debbie (Tyler) McKee

October 20, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Dave's family, I just heard the news and am in shock. Have not seen Dave is many years. He was one of the best football players I knew. I remember going to all his games at Cantwell, Rio Hondo and So. Utah. Alot of good times. Dave was my first boyfriend. Dave, me and John (Sparky) Larson hung out for many of our high school years. I am truly sorry for your lose. God Bless you and help you through this time and may Dave be in peace.

stephen gresh

October 20, 2009

Coach,
You are the reason I am the man I am today. You are the reason I walked on at UNLV and earned my degree. You are the reason I became a teacher and coach. You took the time to talk to me as a young man and it paid off for me. I think about my days at Clark High every football season as I prepare my young football players for the season.
Thank you.
Steve Gresh
(Dr.Death, CHS '83)

Patrick Spargur

October 20, 2009

I had the pleasure of having Coach Castro as a teacher and a coach in two sports, he was firm, fair, and had time for a laugh. I am confident he helped shape the lives of thousands of young men during his teaching and coaching career. My sincere condolences go out to his family and those that knew him best. Thanks Coach, may you rest in peace. CHS '83

October 20, 2009

To all his family Pamela Moats and myself wish to express our deepest sympathy. As faculty at Bonanza with David he was a great colleague and teacher. Always a smile and kind word David was a gem to know.

May God grant him eternal rest and peace. His life was one of noble service and example to students and all who knew him. As a teacher he was always for the students and a very professional example for his colleagues.

With Love Always from your collegues
Pamela Tashne-Bonanza HS. 1985-90
Virgil A. Sestini-Bonanza HS 1976-1990

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