Obituary for Raul B. Castorena
Raul B. Castorena reunited with the love of his life, Romelia, on January 17, 2021 at the age of 73 years.
Born on August 23, 1947 to Manuel and Adelina Castorena, Raul was a native of Del Río, growing up in the Chihuahua neighborhood with his siblings and closest cousins and friends. He attended Del Rio High School and graduated in 1968. Shortly after graduation, Raul joined the United States Army where he served In Thailand during the Vietnam War, earning 4 medals including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Marksman (Rifle) Medal. Upon returning to the states, he married his high school sweetheart, Romelia, in 1970 and accepted a position with the Del Rio Police Department for 10 years.
Raul became a Civil Service employee taking a 37-year employment with the DOD at Laughlin Air Force Base until retiring in December of 2016 to become his wife’s caretaker.
During his 37 years as a civilian, Raul became a member of the Union, serving as a Stewart as well as Union President. Mr. Raul Castorena was a respected labor leader and activist. He was always well informed and articulate about issues affecting his members and federal workers. He took pleasure of helping Laughlin employees with their rights, benefits, and job security as well as giving advice to anyone who asked him. His work and dedication for the Union and its members did not go unnoticed as he was a mentor to many of his Union brothers.
Not only was Raul a dedicated husband and caretaker to his beloved wife, but he also took pride in raising his four children and helping with his grandchildren. His family were his pride and joy and anyone who knew him, heard how proud he was of them and expressed his love and admiration for them.
Raul enjoyed the outdoors, BBQing and cooking for his family and friends, playing cards at the casino, going to the beach, making new friends, and traveling in his RV trailer with his family, but most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren brought him so much joy. He also was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the VFW Chapter 479 and was a proud Vietnam Veteran.
In December, Raul became ill with COVID-19 and was hospitalized in San Antonio. He gave his all to fight so he may come back home to be with his family, but he was tired and joined the arms of his maker Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Although Raul aspired to write a book, we will always hold on to the memories and stores he left behind for us. Our devoted husband, father, grandpa, and friend will be greatly missed.
Raul is proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Romelia, parents Manuel and Adelina Castorena, his sister Josie Acevedo, and nephew, Richard Castorena. He is survived by his four children: Raul S. Castorena Jr. (Myla), Rogelio Castorena (Lischen), Angela Jasso (Anthony), and Eric Castorena (Oliva) along with his 11 grandchildren he adored: Matthew, Joshua, Samantha, Mitchell, Lydia, Kendra, Jaden, Haven, Lyna, Camilla, and Carolina and 1 great grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his sister Rosario Martinez (Ruben), brothers Manuel Castorena (Angela), Ernesto Castorena (Yolanda), Carlos Castorena, and Luis Soliz, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM at Trinity Mortuary located on 206 Kingsway.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery.