Raymond Vincent Castello

Raymond Castello, beloved son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, passed away August 3 surrounded by family. He was born in Willow Glen where he lived all of his life. His parents Joseph and Josephine (Gallina) were ranchers, so Ray grew up in the beauty of the fruit orchards, learning farming from a young age. His mother read him the Bible when he was young and he attended St. Christopher’s Church from the time of its inception in his father’s barn. He enjoyed school and was a standout student while attending Lincoln Glen Elementary, Markham Junior High School and Willow Glen High School. At San Jose State, he was top of his class in Accounting and he went on to attend Stanford Law School. Ray met Karla Grusonik, on a blind date at the cafeteria at San Jose State. "She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen." They were married almost sixty years until her death just five weeks before his; he was devoted to her his whole life. As they raised their family, Ray cheerfully supported them in all of their endeavors, from coaching soccer teams and attending concerts/dance recitals to fishing and camping trips (not his favorite), to cross country skiing and building a cabin in Tahoe. He had so many close friendships because he was such a wonderful friend. He purposefully sought to emulate Jesus and many can testify that it was evident. He was generous with his time and resources and he was as loyal as they come. God blessed him in so many ways and he in turn blessed others. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and he was so pleased to be a great-grandpa! He had some particular joys: family gatherings, collecting things, old Westerns, classic cars, casinos, and traveling (esp. cruises). He was a skilled card player and businessman and had an exceptional memory for detail. He is survived by his son Joe Castello (Nashell), his daughter JulieAnn Personius (Matthew), sister Linda Orr (Jack), brother-in-law Bill Grusonik, sisters-in-law Anne Foisy and Joann Watkins, Grandchildren Julian (Tressa) Personius, Christian (Nataley) Personius, Bennett Personius, Ruby Buenrostro (Elijah), Josephine Personius, Nicole Castello, Nathaniel Personius, Brianna Personius, Lyla Personius, baby Buenrostro, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. May all who knew and loved him carry on his spirit of steadfast kindness to others in honor of him.

A visitation for Ray will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Lima Family Erickson Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95125. A funeral mass will occur Friday, August 25, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2278 Booksin Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125. A committal will occur Friday, August 25, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LimaFamilyEricksonMemorial.com for the Castello family.