Robert Allan Castle

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on January 9th at the age of 93 surrounded by his family in Granada Hills, CA.

Robert, Bob, Papa, Dado. His nicknames of endearment were as varied as his accomplishments and expertises in life. From a mechanical and nuclear engineer to an Enrolled Tax Agent, including being a licensed realtor, landlord, pilot, and dedicated father (and father-in-law), no one could say that the 93 years of his life were unimpressive.

Born in LA in 1932, he grew up in Santa Monica, near the Douglas Aircraft Company, which possibly inspired him to pursue his degree in engineering after first attending Santa Monica High School, then Santa Monica City College, and eventually UCLA to get his BS degree. He went on to graduate from USC with a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and achieved professional engineering licenses in both Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.

In 1955, he was lucky enough to marry the love of his life after an introduction by a friend, who was thankfully too short to dance with Valerie Mueller himself. They fell in love and were married several months later. They went on to grow their family with the addition of 6 children, 5 girls and then a boy.

Robert's traits have been passed on to children and grandchildren and are evident in their lives and hobbies as well, whether it be the love of the outdoors and traveling, fishing and boating, or playing bridge, blackjack, and gin rummy. He could fix anything and was always well-versed on the latest technology. He was a fan of gardening, potentially acquired during WWII when his mother planted a victory garden in his childhood yard, and continued to enjoy being out in the southern California sun with the flowers, avocados, oranges, and Val. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies, and even performed life-saving CPR on a coworker out on the golf course one day. He traveled the world with his kids and wife to experience and photograph all 7 continents and all 50 states.

Robert was a part of the "silent generation" which is characterized by traits such as traditionalism, loyalty, respect, and leadership by example. He embodied many of these traits as proven by his contributions in the engineering world through his work on various aeronautical and nuclear projects including the Douglas DC-8, nuclear reactors, solar-energy facilities, various defense technologies, and structural earthquake-resistant designs. He was Chairman of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Vice President of the Granada Hills Junior Chamber of Commerce, Director of Granada Hills Jaycees, Member of Rockwell Flying Club, Treasurer of the Old Granada Hills Residence Group, and volunteered for various elections at local voting centers.

Perhaps the biggest contribution he made in his life, however, is the family he raised.Through his actions, parenting, and passing along his valuable traits to another generation, his influence and contributions continue to expand exponentially and his mark on this world will not soon be forgotten. He will be truly missed by all.

Robert was preceeded in death by his parents and his brothers, James and William. He is survived by his loving wife Valerie, his children – Maryann (Robert) Donovan, Susan (Daniel) Wagner, Barbara (Zygmont) Piwowarski, Linda Castle (Allan Wilcox), Kathleen Castle, and Thomas (Layla) Castle – 15 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Castle will be held at Utter McKinley Mortuary on Saturday, January 24th with a viewing beginning at 10:00 AM and funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. The service will be followed by interment at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. In honor of Robert, please wear bright colors to celebrate his vibrant life. His family invites you to a reception immediately following the interment.