John Earl de Castro

He was the oldest surviving brother, a fact that saddened him. John, Bob and Rick were seven years apart each - a winning hand of blackjack! Married 63 years to Vivian “Diane” de Castro and together they raised three children, Doug, Kelly and Michelle, two of whom spell their names incorrectly (hint: it’s not Kelly). He adored his six “urchin” grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

John moved with his family to Phoenix, AZ in 1948 and attended Phoenix Tech High School. He earned his pilot’s license before graduating from high school and worked no less than three jobs most of his life. When he entered the Electrical apprenticeship program, they must have been overjoyed because they had one smart man on their hands. He worked his way up to instructor and assistant business manager of IBEW Local 640 before leaving to make money at his own company, J&D Electric, in the boom of the 1980s.

John could fix anything, offered to help everyone and was a fiercely loyal son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. He lived a wonderful life, traveling to fifty-four countries with his wife and loved his flying and RVing years. We really loved him, and he will be missed.

A vigil for John will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with rosary service at 6:30 PM at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 South Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202. A mass of christian burial will occur Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 750 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85041. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 9925 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the de Castro family.