Alfonso R. Castello

NAME: Alfonso “Al” R. Castello AGE: 86 RESIDENT OF: Woodlake DATE OF DEATH: 5-12-2015 OCCUPATION: Industrial Galvanizer PLACE OF DEATH: Visalia Alfonso (Al Foskie) Castello peacefully passed on May 12, 2015, at the age of 86. Papa was born in Springville Ca and later moved to Redbanks where he attended Woodlake Schools then decided at the age of 17 to join the Army. He was a WWII veteran proudly wearing his WWII cap everywhere he went. After the Army he came back home to Redbanks where he became a Mechanic, married the beautiful Ernestina Lozano at 21 and had four surviving children, Alice Castello (partner Anthony Fierro) Richard Castello (wife Lori Castello) Ernie Castello (partner Don Keading) and Helen Castello Zarate (husband Tom Zarate). During this time Papa started his career with Wheeling Pacific as a galvanizing foreman that lasted over 30 years until the plant closed, he also volunteered as an ambulance driver for the city of Woodlake. Papa was supposed to retire but couldn’t stay still so he worked for the Woodlake School district as a bus driver/mechanic. He loved driving the kids to school and would always have stories to tell. Papa wore many hats and new just about how to fix everything. One of his favorite hobbies was curing olives for our Christmas time tamales. His pride and joy were his 9 beautiful grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren whom he loved dearly and do anything for. Papa was so proud of his grandkids who because of him learned how to play and sing Mariachi music. He and Mama were the groups (Mariachi Nueva Generacion) biggest fans and would follow them everywhere they played. Papa will never be forgotten by those who knew him because he was a great, funny, wise man. SURVIVED BY; PRECEDED IN DEATH BY; VISITATION WILL BEGIN at 4 PM till 7 PM on Monday, May 18, 2015 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. SERVICES: a rosary will be prayed at 6 PM on Monday, May 18, 2015 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 noon at St. Frances Cabrini in Woodlake. BURIAL WILL BE AT Woodlake District Cemetery. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Alfonso R. Castello

August 3, 1928 - May 12, 2015