Rafael F. Castro

Rafael F. Castro, born on July 3, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas entered eternal rest at the age of 86 on the Day of Thanksgiving November 28, 2013. Mr. Castro was a lifelong resident of San Antonio. He attended San Fernando Cathedral School where he was educated by the Sisters of Divine Providence. A graduate of Fox Tech High School Class of ’45, Mr. Castro went on to serve in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947 where he trained as a General Mechanic, Photographer and Sharpshooter. One of his most memorable and honorable duties were to serve as a guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He returned to his hometown to provide support to his mother, sister, grandmother, aunts and uncle as his father became ill and passed away in 1950. Mr. Castro was an automotive mechanic for over 60 years. He provided outstanding service to all customers who frequented Dave’s Auto Sales, San Marco Auto Service and Bexar Body Works. Mr. Castro loved his line of work so much that after he “retired” he continued to work until 2011 at the age of 84. He enjoyed his life and enjoyed being around his fellow mechanics and friends; he loved to have a good time and enjoyed family gatherings. In his spare time he enjoyed football, the San Antonio Spurs and especially his New York Yankees. Mr. Castro was a hard worker, a good and honest man, a generous man, a man of integrity and above all was most humble. Dad, Grand-Pa, GG-Pa, Ralph/Ralphie, is missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Mr. Castro is preceded in death by his parents, Rafael Castro and Salud Castro, sister, Guadalupe C. Sobrino and husband, Eduardo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Florinda E. Castro; daughters, Mary Elizabeth Corona and husband Juan Jose; Maria Cristina Ramos and husband James; sons, Gilbert Castro and wife Terri, Jose Fortuna and wife Adrienne; grandsons, John Joseph Corona, Texas A&M Class of 2014, Gilbert John Castro, Texas A&M Class of 2010 and wife Ashley, Jose H. Fortuna and life companion Joe Anaya and Christopher James Ramos; granddaughters, Melissa Ramos and husband Eric, Nicolette Y. Geigenmiller and husband William, John David Vasquez, Amanda Jo Fortuna, United States Navy and Yvette Smith and husband Thomas; great-grandchildren Hunter John Castro, Joshua A. Ramos, United States Navy, Aiden M. Geigenmiller, Raven Nichole Ramos, Celeste Rayne Ramos, Hailey Vasquez, Gabriela Ramos, Christian Ramos and Sebastian Ramos, Tommy and Jessica Smith; niece Mary Ann Muzquiz and husband Fernando; grandniece Linda Muzquiz; grandnephews, Fernando Muzquiz Jr and wife Angela and Michael Muzquiz. The Castro and Corona families thank the staff at Trisun Mesa Vista Nursing Home for taking care of Dad for the last two and a half years of his life. Thank you for keeping him “on the ball” and entertained…he had a good time. Your hall-way monitor is watching from above. Thank you to the staff of Odyssey Hospice for your support, understanding, and immediate response when called upon in our time of need.

A visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers on Tuesday, December 3, beginning at 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be held Holy Family Catholic Church, 152 Florencia Ave, San Antonio with burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. To express condolences please visit www.funerariadelangelroyakers.com.