Lucien J. Castro

Lucien Joseph Castro, New Orleans native passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at the age of 94. Beloved husband of the late Ruth Garrett Castro for 60 years, and father of, and survived by, Lucien Joseph Castro, Jr., Russell Alphonse Castro (wife Joy), and Christopher Thomas Castro (wife Leslie), grandchildren, Alexander Johann Pascal Castro, Carson Alphonse Castro, and Camille Jeannalyce Castro, his sister, Frances Castro Medley, family relations Larry Garrett (wife Heather), Penny Murr, Terrence Leon Murr, as well as a number of adult nieces and nephews in southern Louisiana and Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Marie, and his brother, Alphonso J. Castro. Lucien was a powerful man recognized for his dependable character, courage, and decisiveness; yet, he was most widely known for his sensitive, compassionate, and limitless generosity. Lucien worked for, and retired from, Lykes Bros. Steamship Co. as port chief engineer in the New Orleans maintenance & repair division. Lucien served his country during World War II in the United States Merchant Marine, ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve; thereafter, he continued to serve with the American Legion and was a past Commander of Maritime Post 247. He thrived in the maritime industry, was well known in the New Orleans maritime community, and was a past president of the Marine Club of New Orleans. Consumed by a bold and energetic love and passion for life, Lucien traveled extensively and retrieved the best aspects of those cultures, which he graciously offered to others. Father of three boys, he was dependable, disciplined, and always concerned with his family’s wellbeing and happiness. Lucien forever dedicated his love and commitment to his dearest wife and lifelong companion, Ruth, to which he framed his world with appreciation for her.

Yearly, Christmas sparked his heart as he worked tirelessly in the preparation and delivery of smoked or fried turkeys, balls of Dutch cheese, and other worldly treats to family and friends. He loved cooking, entertaining, dancing, and enjoying Mardi Gras festivities with family and friends. His generosity to the Catholic Church through his relation to St. Pius X in New Orleans was remarkable, as was his ongoing and plentiful support for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, March of Dimes, The United Way, and Covenant House. In the example of Christ, Lucien loved and sacrificed for others. He competed well, finished the race, and kept the faith. 2 Tim. 4:7. He is known for never parting presence with a “good-bye,” as the term was so final; instead, he chose “so long.” Therefore, it will be, so long brother, father, shipmate, and friend, "the watch stands relieved by those you have trained, guided and led . . . we have the watch," sound the bell. He will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend Visitation 9:00 AM and Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM, at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd. on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, Charity of choice or Catholic Charities, preferred. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.