Obituary of Juan Castro

Don Juan came to the Salinas Valley in his early 20’s. He worked with the Bracero Program in harvesting lettuce, “Green Gold”. He was a Field Foreman until his retirement at 59 from InterHarvest Company. He loved his work in the open air and the comaraderie with his fellow workers. Many became lifelong friends, like Thomas Gomez. He lived for the love of his life, Maria Castro, his wife of 60 years.. He always said he was the richest man in the world because he had 8 children, 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. When his children came to the family home, he would always greet them with the warmest smile and would say, “Hay mijos, los estaba esperando”. He was also a great influence on the neighborhood kids, who called him “Daddy Juan”. He lived in the same neighborhood for over 36 years and will be remembered by them all. After his retirement, he became a proud member of the YMCA; where he made new friends and would swim 5-6 mornings a week. He also enjoyed his first “tequilita”, coffee of the morning. He was a member of the YMCA for over 25 years. He had the best lungs, heart and stomach, which he was very proud of. Daddy Juan was full of life and humor. His conversations were always a “broma”, which made his wife nuts and kept her on her toes. Daddy Juan had a collection of “hats”. His son, Richard, would visit and take off his hat and Daddy Juan would happily try it on and it would be added to his collection. He also loved to recycle with his son, Juan Manuel. He looked forward to going to the recycling center and visiting the employees, whom he considered as friends. With his profits he bought lottery tickets. He looked forward to his son, Ernesto’s visits to fix up the family home. He loved his shower and the hand rails. Ernie always tried to find and easier way for Daddy Juan at home. His son, Michael visited him every day to help with the garbage and lawn. He always tried to keep Daddy’s yard looking good and his spirits up. Daddy’s girls, his “mijas”…. Gracias Daddy. Aida, number one, who is the strength of the family, he trusted and needed her. Sylvia, number two, her daily companionship was a blessing. Linda, number three, he loved her weekly visits and kept him in line and knowledgeable in regard to his medication. Lena, number four, the daughter who kept his wife on her toes for him too. Daddy Juan was a strong and emotional man. All he asked for from his family was “La Felicidad”. Salud Daddy! He is survived by wife Maria Castro of the family home in Salinas daughters Aida and Gustavo De La Torre of Gilroy Sylvia and Frank Escobar of Salinas Linda Flores of Morgan Hill Rosa and Paco Ramirez of Salinas sons Juan Manuel and Marylou Castro of Salinas Ernesto and Sara Castro of Capitola Ricardo and Josephina Castro of Jose Miguel and Christina Castro of Salinas 26 grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren two brothers and two sisters all residing in Mexico daugther-in-law Cynthia Hulton of San Jose son-in law David Flores of Prunedale