Renato L. Castillo

South Bend, Indiana – Renato Castillo, 68, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 31, 2022, now at home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Renato, formerly of Niles, Michigan, was currently residing at Trailpoint Village in South Bend, Indiana at his passing.
Renato was born in Artesia, New Mexico on October 6, 1953, the son of Julio Castillo and Francisca (Loera) Castillo. Renato grew up in Ithaca, Michigan where he graduated from high school in 1973. Renato then joined the Army, and he was later medically discharged.
Renato married in 1974. He and his wife were blessed with two children, Moses in 1975, and Renita in 1981.
Renato moved his family to Bath, Michigan in 1977, where Renato was employed as a foreman for GTE from 1977 to 1987. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the Bath Township Fire Department, as well as the Capital City Airport. Renato later earned a Fire Science Degree from Lansing Community College.
After his extended residence in Bath, Michigan, Renato moved back to Ithaca, Michigan, where he earned a Medical First Responders license. From 1995 to 2004 Renato worked for the Corunna Medical Service and the Perry Morrice Shaftsburg Area Ambulance Service(PMSA) out of Perry, Michigan.
In 2010, Renato relocated to Niles, Michigan to be closer to his grandchildren. While living in Niles, Renato participated in the Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department of Dowagiac, Mich., until his health began to decline. Yet he never lost his love and fascination with fire trucks.
Renato also loved collecting antiques and old jewelry. He also enjoyed painting. Although Renato did not play organized sports, he was so proud of his son Moses during his successful high school running career. As Moses can say, "He was there cheering me on at all of my meets."
In his later years, Renato simply adored his grandchildren. They remember him for his devotion to them, and his love of cheeseburgers.
Surviving Renato are his son Moses of Fremont, Indiana, and his children Spencer and Stella. Renato is survived by his daughter Renita (Eric) Graef of South Bend, Indiana, along with their children Caleb, Brynn, and Garrett.
Surviving Renato are his sisters, Rita (Dave) Fabela, Rosie (Jim) Garcia, and Julia Rodriguez. Renato's surviving brothers include Dave (Kim) Castillo, Fred (Heather) Castillo, and Joe (Cindy) Castillo.
Preceding Renato in death were his parents, Julio in 1997, and Francisca in 1992. Renato's brother Julio Jr. died in 2012; another brother, Carlos, passed on in 2018.
The Kaniewski Funeral Home located at 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, Indiana will be conducting Renato's funeral service on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022. There will be a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. The service will be from 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. followed by cremation.
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