Merced C. Castro Jr.

Merced “Merch” C. Castro, Jr., 82, life-long resident of Chula Vista, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 1, 2014. He was born on June 22, 1931 at his family home in Otay, son of the late Merced and Librada Castro.

Merch was a graduate of Brown Field High School and attended the local community college. He was active in his community attending Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in his early years and later attending St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Merch was a former leader for the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Eagles, the Elks Lodge, and the VFW. He volunteered his time for the PTA at Cook Elementary School.

He was a veteran of the United States Army having volunteered for the military at the age of 17 years. He served four years in Germany from 1949-1952. Upon returning from the Army, Merch helped run the family owned grocery store in Otay.

Merch was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. On June 16, 1956, Merch was united in marriage to Mary Genevieve Alonzo, a union that lasted 55 years until Veva’s death just two years ago. Their marriage produced five surviving children, Laura Gaskin, Fred (Beth) Castro, Thomas Castro, Gilbert (Janet) Castro, and James (Karen) Castro. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Allen Stafford, Robert Diaz, Abigail Castro, Alexandra Castro and Sophie Castro.

Merch was the fourth of eight children. He is survived by four sisters, Martha Hernandez, Tencha (Ramon) Jauregui, Rose Rubio, and Norma Castro; sister-in-law Rebecca Alonzo (Nieves) Gonzales and brother-in-law Louie (Sally) Alonzo. He was proceeded in death by a sister Charlotte Lopez, and two brothers, George Castro and David Castro.

Merch was hard working and an dedicated family man. He took great pride in providing for his family. He worked for General Dynamics and later for North Island Naval Base from which he retired in the late 90s. While at North Island, Merch received various awards for his excellent attendance and commitment to his work. He was a very motivated, confident and ambitious man. He valued education and encouraged all of his children to get the best education possible.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 9 at 11am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Visitation will be 5-9pm on Wednesday, January 8 at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to www.dystonia-foundation.org or www.dystoniaofsandiego.com