Richard James Castel

Richard was born on May 8, 1946 and grew up in East Chicago, Indiana, the youngest of five children. He graduated from high school in the class of 1965, from Bishop Noll Institute of Hammond, Indiana. Following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force for over 25 years, where he served faithfully and honorably covering the Vietnam and Desert Storm conflicts. Rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, he retired on May 1, 1991, being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at various positions in the Fairborn, Ohio school district. He was also involved in, and loved all types of sports, taking on roles as a coach, umpire and referee. In his later years, he found a new passion in the world of cycling. He completed many cycling events in the U.S and Canada.

Richard was a man of great faith who believed in helping those around him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Traveling was one of his favorite passions and he made friends everywhere he went. His sense of humor, good nature, big smile, and even bigger heart will be remembered by all who knew him. He never missed the opportunity to say hello to all those that crossed his path.

He will be dearly and forever missed by his family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Dominga Castel Rodarte (née James) and Joseph Castel; his siblings Josephine Berrones, Lela Guerrero, and Rogelio Castel. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 40 years, Lucila (née Urriola); his brother Paul; his four children, Shannon (Dave Elson), David (Mallory), Andrey (Miranda) and Jaclyn along with his beloved six grandchildren- Savannah, Allen, Sienna, Kenneth, Hayden, Gabriel and two more due this spring; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private service will be held at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Springboro, Ohio. Interment will follow with full Military Honors at the Dayton National Cemetery. The family is planning to have a celebration of life for friends and family in the summer of 2021 to commemorate Richard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (ACS),

4540 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Kettering Medical Center (ICU) staff for their unwavering support during his final days.

“We will always retain your memory in our hearts.”