California in 1940. Due to financial hardship, he and his brother were
unable to attend school. His teenage years were filled with hard work to
help support his family. In 1950 Leo was drafted into the United States
Army and was deployed to the war in Korea. Leo received training to be an
Infantryman and he was assigned to the 7th Infantry Regiment. Leo’s unit
faced action in combat and he served courageously in the face of enemy
fire. Upon Honorable Discharge from the Army. Leo returned to Stockton
and began working as a taxicab driver and various other jobs until his
retirement for Fiberboard in 1994. Leo continued to provide for his family
after retirement for the City of Stockton as a parking attendant until 2003.
Leo is survived by his wife, Hope Castillo, whom he was married to for 58
years. Leo was the father to seven children; Gloria Huerta, Rachel (Jesse)
Guerra, Victoria (Roberto) Rubio, Mary (Michael) Valverde, Debra
(Jesse)Estrada, Leo Jr (Joanne) Castillo and Christina (Richard) Pimentel.
Leo has twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and
one great great grandchild. Leo was preceded by one brother John, and
survived by three sisters Betty, Tensie, and Mary.
Leo learned the value of hard work from a very early age and it continued
throughout his life. He worked tirelessly to provide for the needs of his
family. Leo’s personal needs and wants came second to his desire to
provide for others. Leo loved the San Francisco 49ers and stuck with them
through the good and bad years. Leo enjoyed fishing and some of his
greatest memories were from catching record setting fish. Leo had an
infectious smile that would light up a room and melt the most hardened of
hearts. Leo was humble but strong and resolute in protecting his family and
loved ones. Leo demonstrated remarkable patience even when confronted
with the trials of life. Leo was kind and never uttered a harsh word. Leo will
truly be missed, but his legacy will continue for generations.
