Celestino H. Castro

Celestino was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Guadalupe, Arizona as a baby. He grew up in Guadalupe during the American Depression. Celestino was the oldest of fourteen children and took that responsibility to heart. He was everybody's big brother and the role model everyone looked up to.

As a young man he moved to California and met Eustaquia Felix of East Los Angeles. They began their life together in a marriage that exceeded 62 years. Together they raised a family of five children: two sons, David and Martin Castro and three daughters, Rita Villarreal, Sandra Ramos and the baby, Julie Castro. He had been blessed with fourteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Celestino worked hard and tiring hours for his family and proved himself to be a great provider. After long and exhausting days at work, he always came home whistling a happy tune with a smile on his face. He was a skilled harmonica player and loved to play songs for his kids and grandkids.

He was a devout Catholic and had many roles at his beloved St. Thomas Church in Goshen. He could always be seen caring for the church grounds. You could always tell it was time for church when you heard Celestino ringing the bells for Holy Mass. The role that he was most proud of was being a minister of Holy Communion on Sundays. Even if he had to work, he took time off to fulfill duties before returning to work.

C.H., as everyone called him, will be missed by all but leaves behind a strong legacy of love, respect and dignity for family and friends to cherish forever.

C.H. leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Eustaquia of Visalia; sons, David Castro and wife, Trini of Tulare and Martin Castro and wife, Chris of Visalia; daughters, Rita Villarreal and husband, Paul of Goshen, Sandra Ramos and husband Moises, Jr. of Stockton and Julie Castro of Visalia; brothers, Juan Castro of Goshen and Felix Castro of Sutter, CA; two sisters, Paula Castro of Visalia and Jenny Castro of Farmersville; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 from 3 - 6 with Recitation of Rosary to follow at 6 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Goshen. Burial will follow at Visalia District Cemetery.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.