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In memory of

John Castillo Jr.

Folsom, CA

October 10, 1935 - January 3, 2018

Oct 10, 1935 - Jan 3, 2018

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John passed away peacefully January 3, 1018 at his home in Folsom, CA after a long bout of cancer at 82 years surrounded by his wife and four children. He is survived by his devoted wife Joan and four children Lori Chalifoux (Michael), Jeanne King (Mark), Mark Castillo (Jennifer), Sandy Garza (Rick), his 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his brother Danny Castillo (Virginia), in-laws Robert and Carol Lazaro, Janice Sabatini, Roberta Healy and Robert DeMotto, many nephews/nieces, great nephews/nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his Father Marcelliano, his step-mother Julia, his Sister Marianne DeMotto and his brother Phillip “Babe” Castillo.
John was raised in San Leandro, CA and raised his family in Dublin, CA before retiring and moving to Folsom, CA in 2000. After his tenure in the Army John entered the insurance business eventually owning his own successful insurance agency but spent the better part of his career serving the youth of The City of San Leandro through the Boy’s Clubs of America. Growing up John spent much time in and worked in what was then the San Lorenzo Boys Club of America, where he worked and also became the Northern California Boys Club Boxing Champion and later coached boxing and basketball there. John became a member of the Board of Directors for San Leandro Boy’s Club for years before becoming an Executive Director for more than 16 years. John earned many service awards in his career including Boy of the Year and Man of the Year from the San Lorenzo Chamber of Commerce, the Man and Boy award (1974) and Professional of the Year Award (1984) from the San Leandro Boy’s Club as well as Citizen of the Year Award (1990) from the San Leandro Lion’s Club. He retired in 1994.
John was very well-liked, always making a lasting impression on all who knew him and was always thinking of others. John loved keeping his home and had a love of nature and special devotion to St. Francis of Assisi as well as a faith that was inspiring. He lived a full and colorful life, could always be depended upon by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Everyone who knew John has a funny and interesting story to tell about him or their time with him. John traveled extensively with his wife and family but mostly enjoyed his home and a simple life with his wife and spending time with his kids and grandkids. John had a knack for public speaking and his family toasts were infamous where he could always be heard stating, “the name of the game is family”, “when push comes to shove you always have your family” always adding, “you come into this world with nothing and go out with nothing.” He loved the Oakland Raiders and A’s and would end every speech with “Go Raiders!”. In his later years after he grew his beard he quickly became known as, “The World’s most Interesting Man” and if he were still here he would leave you with this quote, “Stay thirsty my friends!”

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