Alberto Castaneda

Alberto Castaneda was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Alberto always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Alberto was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

His parents were Fidencio Castaneda and Luciana Patlan. Alberto was raised in Texas. Always able to express himself well, Alberto possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Alberto was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Alberto was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Alberto was raised with fifteen siblings. He had four brothers, Jesus, Leon, Cruz and Juan and eleven sisters, San Juana, Gabriella, Francisca, Liboria, Margarita, Zoila, Estolia, Petra, Alicia, Estolia and Ninfa. Alberto had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

Friends and acquaintances found Alberto an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Alberto was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were his brothers and sisters.

A good listener with an engaging personality, Alberto was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Alberto identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Alberto was blessed with five children, four sons, Raymond, Albert Jr., Richard and Jess and one daughter Martha. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Steve Dory Jr., David Dory, Lindy Price, Albert Castaneda III, Jesus R. Castaneda, Christina G. Vidrio, Linda S. Castaneda, and Angela M. Lugo.

Alberto was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Alberto’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Alberto was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Alberto could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Plant Operations Foreman. He was employed for thirty years by Sunkist Growers of California.

Alberto enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were spending time with his grandchildren. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Alberto was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Alberto was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing, football, baseball and soccer.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Alberto truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Reno, Nevada and Tahoe, Nevada.

When Alberto’s retirement finally came in 1973, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Fresno, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.

Alberto passed away on October 29, 2010 at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, California. Alberto fought a brave battle against heart disease and diabetes. He is survived by his wife Esther, his children Raymond, Martha, Albert and Jess, his grandchildren, Steve Jr., David, Albert III, Jesus, Christina, Linda, Angela and Lindy; his brothers, Cruz, Leon and Juan; his sisters, Liboria, Petra, Margarita and Estolia. Services were held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Alberto was laid to rest in Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno, California.

Alberto was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Alberto had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Alberto Castaneda.