The family of Vincent “Chente” Reyes Castro is sad to announce his passing at Veterans Hospital in Los Angeles, CA.
Our beloved brother, uncle and cousin was born in Floresville, TX on December 11, 1921. As a duty to his country he joined the Marines on July 3, 1942 – March 28, 1945. Chente’ as we all lovingly called him was a proud Marine who selflessly served our country during WW II and was unfortunately wounded in the Pacific Theater.
He was predeceased by his father and his loving mother Corrina Reyes Castro, brothers Joe Castro, Ross Castro and sisters Belle Soria, Margaret Sierra and Virginia Sandoval. He is survived by his “Baby” sister Anna Castro Martinez and sister-in-law Cecilia Castro, wife of Ross. Along with his many cousins, nephews and nieces throughout the country.
Our Chente’, loved and lived life to the fullest, it was well known throughout the family he loved to travel. He was not a man who liked to stay in one place to long therefore he was our beloved “Rolling Stone” because whenever he showed up he brought joy to our hearts.
Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Los Angeles Veterans Administration, the housing staffs of buildings 213 and 215, the entire medical staff and social workers. A special thank you to St. Joseph Center Payee Program administrators Ms. Emilie Hunter and with deep sadness we would be remiss not to mention Mr. Daniel Manrique a fellow Marine who sadly was tragically slain at the incident in Thousand Oaks. All gave tirelessly of themselves to help Vincent Reyes Castro live a comfortable life.
On May 14, 2014, God sent us a new family member in Ms. Karen Torres, she was not only “Castro’s – as he was referred to by the staff” Companion Care Giver, Karen was the only available family member who was with him daily, this was not just a business arrangement this was a family bound of love. Chente’ and Karen generated an immediate bond and as the entire medical staff indicated in their monthly medical updates, “if it wasn’t for Karen we do not know where we would be without her” because he was dependent upon her. As a family there are not enough words to express our sincerest gratitude to Karen for her commitment to “Castro” so that he would live the best quality of life with the dignity he deserved. Without her love and compassion these past 4 and half years Chente’s life would have been much different. Thank you Karen and we will forever love you.
A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday January 12, 2019 at St. Barbara Parish – Old Mission Santa Barbara at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at CALVARY CEMETERY-Hope Ave, followed by A Celebration of Life.
Donations may be made in the name of Vincent Reyes Castro to: buildinghomesforheroes.org or to the charity of your choice. Funeral Services has been entrusted to Pueblo Del Rey.
