Obituary of John Joe Castro, Sr.

John Joe Castro Sr., a beloved patriarch from Salinas, California, passed away on July 16, 2023, at the age of 94. Surrounded by his loving family, he peacefully journeyed to be with the Lord. He was the cornerstone of his family and will always be deeply missed. Although he cherished his family dearly, it was his time to answer the call of the Lord.

John was born December 20, 1928, in Mesa, Arizona, to Genoveva Maestas Castro and Antonio Palomar Castro Jr. He married Grace Williams on July 07, 1948, and they had nine children.  John never went to college or studied mechanics.  He was self-taught and could repair televisions, machinery, vehicles, plumbing, and almost anything he set his mind to.  He worked as a tractor driver, mechanic, and truck driver.  Later, because of his mechanic skills, the company flew him throughout the state to repair and perform maintenance on various types of farm equipment.  His hobby was cars, and he would repair and rebuild them.  He helped his friends and neighbors with their vehicles and provided advice when requested.  John loved tinkering with things he had to figure out, like Rubek cubes and other games. He liked computer flight simulator programs.  His favorite companion and traveling buddy was his dog Gizmo.  John was a quiet, humble man with a lot of patience.  He loved his family.  When asked how he was doing, he responded, “Not too shabby!”  He taught most of his children how to drive.  Family members knew they were always welcome at his home.  

He was preceded in death by his parents Francisco and Genoveva Maestas Saenz Sr., son Anthony Paul Castro, daughter Cleo Castro Munoz; granddaughters Heaven Castro, Reyna Ontiveros, and Serina Ontiveros; grandson McCormick McClellan; great-granddaughters, Valerie Villegas and Arianna Ugale; sister Helen Castro Duran and brother Francisco Saenz Sr.  

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Grace Williams Castro of Salinas, children Isabel Castro (Barbra), Johnny Castro Jr., Delores Castro, Raymond Castro Sr., Henry Castro (Cristela), Rebecca Castro (Frank), and Irene Castro, 25 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.     

Services will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at Healey Mortuary, 405 North Sanborn Road, Salinas, California 93905 with a visitation from 12:30-5pm and a Funeral Service beginning at 1pm.