Stephen R. Castro

Everyone's life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Stephen Ralph Castro was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Steve will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Steve's life journey began on January 19, 1962. He first greeted the world in San Francisco, California. His parents' names were Ronald and Valentina. His parents would take him and his brothers and sisters to San Francisco to march in Vietnam War protests. Even though Steve's parents were anti-war/ anti-military, five out of their seven children entered the military. He grew up in San Francisco, California and later moved to Colusa when he was ten. In Colusa, his family raised chickens and pigs as food. Steve had a favorite pig, named Arnold. When it was Arnold's time to become "dinner" Steve was so upset, he refused to eat even one pork chop.

A lot of what shaped Steve's life was how he was raised. He was raised with six siblings. Steve had three older brothers Fred, Ron (Junior) and Tom, one younger brother Randy, and older twin sisters Valerie and Veronica. Steve was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced the typical rivalries of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Steve had a number of interests. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Steve was an active child who enjoyed a number of different activities, including Track- 440, and Little League Baseball.

In school, Steve learned many things and made many friends. Steve managed to accomplish many things as a child, both in and out of the classroom. However, to Steve, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends. Steve also enjoyed his pets during this time like his dogs Bootsie and Tony. Steve also went on some family trips occasionally during his childhood. In all, Steve grew up surrounded by family and friends who cared about him very much.

Many things change when a person becomes old enough to go to high school; Steve was no different. He was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Colusa High School in 1980 with a 4.0 GPA and finished in 3.5 years. Steve loved anything about History, especially Civil War. Steve tried to be involved in a number of different activities, both in and out of school, during these years. He ran track and competed in the 440 event.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Steve experienced that with Nancy Dee Cox-Bailey. Steve and Nancy met at the Cloud Nine Lounge, Maxim Hotel while dancing on Labor Day 1987. Steve and Nancy's first date was dinner at the Silver Dragon Chinese Restaurant.

Steve and Nancy had been together for seven years and he said "what do you think, should we get married?" Steve exchanged wedding vows with Nancy on April 26, 2003. The wedding was held in the backyard of their close friends, Pam Hooper and Michael Johnson. Officiating for the service was J. Marlene Hetrick, Chaplain. The Maid of Honor was Nancy's best friend Diane Araujo and the Best Man was Steve's best friend Carl Polonyi. Their mutual good friend Pete Brown, was a groomsman. The wedding reception was in the same location as the wedding. Everyone had a great time, it was a lot of fun.

One year after the wedding, Steve & Nancy went on a cruise wo the exotic Western Carribean, which was a wedding gift from Nancy's brother and sister in law Chuck & Jackie Cox.

It can be said that you can tell a lot about a person by their friends. In addition to these friends, the couple also had cats - Zeus, Al, Bob, Dave, Melvin, Theo, and Vinnie dogs- Pepper, Ruby, Boris, Shiloh, Nikki, Bandit, Cisco, and Jenna. They loved taking the dogs swimming, and for walks to the school yard.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Steve worked hard to be a good father to his child and he did his best to fulfill her needs. Steve was blessed with one child, Sherelle Nicole Castro, with his first wife Renee Nelson. He worked hard toward raising his child in a positive and nurturing environment.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Steve enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Steve worked diligently and did his best to succeed in each of his jobs. While he worked several jobs over his life, Steve's primary occupation was working as a valet parking attendant. While working as a cage cashier, Steve met his best friend, Carl Polonyi.

Probably the most unique or interesting job Steve ever held was in H.R. At Mandalay Bay Resort prior to opening. It was Carl who hired him for that job. Steve always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Though Steve didn't work for accolades, he was recognized for a job well done. Steve had just earned his associates Degree in Crinminal Justice on April 30, 2011.

In the Army, Steve served on M1 and E1 Tank and was stationed at Ft. Hood,Texas. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Steve enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including collecting civil war memorabilia and Russian Military Memorablilia. He was usually willing to share his interests with others.

Like all people, Steve had his favorite things in life. Steve's favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, he called it "The Forgotten Holiday". He enjoyed reading books by Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, and anything related to American History or European History.

When it came to entertainment, Steve enjoyed a number of different things. Steve's favorite T. V. shows were Jeopardy, all sports, and the History channel. He loved action movies and could quote lines from all the Clint Eastwood "Dirty Harry" movies. His all time favorite movie was The African Queen.

Steve also enjoyed rock music. His favorite bands were AC/DC, Blue Oyster Cult, Def Leppard, Night Ranger,Journey and the Eagles.

Steve Castro left us on June 16, 2011. He passed away at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 49 years old. He was preceded in death by Ronald Castro Junior.

So this is Steve's life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, Steve was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Steve leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Stephen Ralph Castro touched will always remember him with a smile.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.