Raimundo J. Castellanos

Raimundo “Ray” J. Castellanos, 69, died November 5, 2013, with his family by his side in Miami, Florida. As a person whose personal motto was “Encantado de la vida”, Ray not only lived life, he loved and cherished it. He was a ray of light for everyone he touched and he always encouraged people to make the most of their opportunities and live their lives to the fullest.

He was born March 30, 1944, in Holguin, Oriente, Cuba to Raimundo and Berta Maria Castellanos. The family immigrated to Miami in 1958.

At age 21 he volunteered to join the US Army in the infantry and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor and a Purple Heart.

Upon returning to Miami, he met, fell in love with and married Ana Gloria Padron and together they had three children, Elsa Alina, Raimundo Jr., and Alexander.

Ray owned and worked for a number of successful businesses including an insurance firm, a mortgage brokerage firm, and later a mortgage company. He served as President of AIB Mortgage and later as Regional Manager of GMAC Mortgage Company.

Ray was passionate about his family and about helping people realize their dreams. That passion led him to give of his time to numerous non-profit organizations. A devout Catholic, he was on the Board of Directors numerous churches including Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Agatha, where he led the committee to build the new church and most recently St. Catherine of Siena. Ray also spent 10 years as the Scout Master of Troop 575 in Sts. Peter and Paul where he touched the lives of many kids and turned a group of kids into the most successful competition troop in South Florida. Along the way he became a father figure and helped guide many underprivileged children.

Most recently, Ray dedicated his time to Paidos, Inc, a non profit corporation he founded with the purpose to create leaders within the inner city. He developed numerous seminars and courses to give people the tools to better themselves and their community.

Raimundo is survived by his wife, his children, their spouses; and his six grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday at Memorial Plan Kendall in Miami, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Paidos, Inc. 10261 S.W. 72 Street, Suite 103, Miami, FL 33173.