Josef F O Castro

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Josef F O Castro who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. Josef “Peping or Papa” Castro was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Josef was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Josef knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Josef was born on June 22, 1926 at Mission Hospital in Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines. His parents were Vicente Castro and Nieves Ortiz. Josef was raised in Carmen, Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Josef learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Josef was able to put his natural abilities to work. In other words, he liked to help his family. He was intelligent, kind and as child from a large family, had his share of chores and responsibilities. Josef was raised with eleven siblings. Vicente Jr., Jesus, Carmenia, Estrella, Victorio, Virginia, Homero, Lorelei, Virgilio, Silva, and Veronica. Josef had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected. For Josef, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Josef's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. Josef was a Boy Scout and one of Josef's most memorable achievements as a child was when he placed second out of hundreds of seventh graders in a competitive academic exam. As a child, Josef spent most of his time studying and completing his chores. He would help his parents by fetching firewood and water. In his spare time, Josef would earn money by shining shoes and selling fire wood. He also enjoyed reading books, doing his homework, and spending time with his elders. If he was lucky, his grandfather would give him a little extra money if they won at the local cock fights.

In school, Josef was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Josef was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. He graduated high school in 1946. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were Biology, Physics, and Math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Maria Maglaya. One of Josef's accomplishments in high school was that he learned to transmit and receive telegraphic messages by Morse Code.

Josef’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce and a Major in Accounting from Far Eastern University in 1950.

Josef was sociable and approachable. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. Those close to Josef came to expect his high standards of performance and appreciated the intelligent and fun conversations that they had. He was friends with Domingo Sioson, Paulino Cayco, Leopoldo Vergara, and Dr. Fenix.

An objective and conscientious individual, Josef reveled in the security of his family. On June 28, 1954 Josef exchanged wedding vows with Aurea Rizalina B. Pelimiano at the Our Lady of Sorrows in Pasay City, Philippines. One of Josef’s most endearing qualities was how attentive he was to Aurea. She was the love of his life and his soul mate, never wanting to leave her side.

Josef was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Josef would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. He was also patient, kind, and loving. Josef was blessed with nine children. Eight sons, Gil, Ernesto, Goldie, Paul, Jun, Ronnie, Jojo, and Ernie, and one daughter, Joy. He was also blessed with thirty grand and great grandchildren.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Josef was a tremendous leader. His primary occupation was in banking. He was a bank executive for the Philippine National Bank. In addition to working for the Philippine National Bank, he helped open Phil Banking in the Philippines and took on an AVP position. He also held Executive positions in Manila Bank and Banco Filipino during his career. Later in life he ventured in the Fortune Cement Company and he taught decision making and problem solving techniques. Josef was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Josef volunteered for the USAFFE - United States Armed Forces in the Far East. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. Josef served in the Philippines during World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Major. He was also a civic minded person who wanted the best for his country and community.

When Josef had any spare time, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were golf and spending time with his large family. When he had the time, he enjoyed watching golf, game shows and basketball on TV. Josef was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Josef also loved to vacation and travel as long as his wife was by his side.

Faith was important to Josef. He held high moral standards. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share with family and friends alike. He was also an Opus Dei member.

When Josef’s retirement finally arrived in the 1980's, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found pleasure in working on his golf game and spending time with his wife, children and his thirty three grand and great grandchildren. In many ways, Josef loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and family outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Josef passed away from natural causes on April 7, 2018 at home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by his wife, Nene, his children, Goldie, Paul, Jun, Ronnie, Jojo, Ernie, and Joy. Services were held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Josef was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All who knew him would agree that Josef was a pillar in his family. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Josef F O Castro did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person. “Papa” will be missed.