In Memory
Born: February 5, 1948, Santa Ana, CA
Died: November 30, 2016, Santa Ana, CA
Died of Pancreatic Cancer
Funeral Services on December 6, 2016 at 10 AM, Calvary Chapel, 3800 S Fairview Street, Santa Ana, CA
The following obituary is from the Orange County Register, published on 12/6/16:
Castro, Ronald Lujan passed peacefully at home on November 30, 2016. He was a Special Forces soldier, and a firefighter for 45 years with the City of Santa Ana and Orange County Fire Authority. Loving father and amazing husband, he was preceded in death by his brother, George. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Castro, his parents, Cedie and Esperanza Lujan Castro; his son, Brandon M Castro, Daughter-in-law, Jaymie Castro, and granddaughter, Caryssa; daughter, Jennifer R. Castro, daughter, Madison C Castro, sister, Cynthia L Castro and nephew, Keolani; brother, Donald L Castro and nephew, Emiliano; and extended family and friends. Loved by us all, he will always with with us in our hearts....."
Paula Pletcher (DiLuigi)
Several of us from the Class of 1966 were able to attend Ron's funeral service today. It was a touching and beautiful service attended by many, many firefighters as well as numerous family and friends. Besides many speakers, the OCFA pipes and drums also played. It was truly hard to keep a dry eye when the bagpipes started playing.
Some of you have inquired about sending condolence cards to his wife, Michelle. Michelle's address is 1404 N. Tustin Avenue, #N-4, Santa Ana, CA 92704. I was able to speak to her briefly after the service, and I know she would appreciate cards of support.
Rose Ann Tapp (Nygren)
My condolences go out to Michelle and family. I was saddened to hear of Ron's passing. I wasn't a personal friend of Ron's in school but remember him well. May you rest in peace Ron.
Helen Janesz (French)
Michelle my condolences go out to you and your family. Our hearts are heavy to lose such a kind,gentile and a joy to be around person.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
William Carpenter
Ron and I shared assigned PE lockers next to each other in HS. Alphabetical (Car-Cas). He was always chattering away while getting dressed for class after PE. Telling funny stories; commenting on guys, girls, coaches and happenings in general with occasional jibes at one of us. While we were only acquaintances in that regard, he's one of the few memories I have from Valley. He was very popular on campus, and always left us with a humorous outlook towards the rest of the day. Always positive memories of you Ron. Rest easy.
Paula Pletcher (DiLuigi)
The following tribute was posted in the OC Register on 11/30/17:
In Loving Memory of my dear husband,
RON CASTRO
Ron, It’s been one year since we last shared an embrace. At this time, I’d like to share with the world how special you truly were: Ron Castro was an extraordinary man. Husband, father, brother, uncle, son & friend. Ron lived life to the fullest! Whether it was on the golf course, traveling the country, frequenting live musical theatre, driving up the coast or just being at home with the cats, Ron found joy and pleasure in everything. An avid storyteller, Ron taught life lessons and mentored family and friends at holiday gatherings, on the golf course, and at the many fire stations he worked for 45 years. Ron loved all his fellow firefighters throughout the country. Wherever we traveled, he collected and wore t-shirts from fire stations in different cities, counties and states. It was a joy to caddy for Ron when golfing. Ron’s stories of serving his country in Vietnam Green Beret/Special Forces made me so very proud.
His stories will live on in me, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Ron’s generosity with his time was matched only by his generosity to the homeless... always respectfully and with compassion.
So Ron, Your stories, lessons, life force and love still live on in me. You are always so close in my heart, that your presence is almost palpable. You sing to me like the lyric from our favorite musical: *'...I’m here, with you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you.'
I love you, my beautiful husband,
Michelle
*Song: 'All I Ask Of You' from 'The Phantom of the Opera' by: A.L. Webber, C. Hart, R. Stilgoe
Tonie Mendoza (Peckham)
Thank God we've all got an Angel looking after us. God bless Michelle n family.William Carpenter
Thanks for sharing your memories of Ron, Michelle. Ron was a very likeable and charismatic young man at Valley. He's fortunate to have had a companion like you and family to share his journey through life. Rest assured that all who came in contact with Ron share your loss and hope his strength will endure. God Bless.
John D Abbott
R.I.P Ronnie. You were a great friend right to the end. Never forget you, so many great memories.
John