Casto Sandoval Reyes

December 3, 1935 to May 2, 2025

Casto was born the second child of five to Lucia and Casto Reyes in the city of Santa Barbara, Chihuahua Mexico on December 3 1935. He passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025 after a brief illness.

Casto is survived by his children Gabriel Reyes (Susan), Christina Atkinson, David Reyes (Jovita), and Abran Reyes, Daughter-in-law Vanessa Reyes, and Son-in-law Mike Sanders as well as 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Eleanor, his wife of 65 years, daughter Rosanna Sanders and son Mario Reyes. Also survived by his sisters Concepcion Saenz and Juliana Castillo.

Casto spent his childhood in the small mining village of Noriega situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. His very young years were carefree and as a kid Casto was a bit of a travieso (a rascal). Because of his antics in school, he spent many an hour sitting in the corner wearing donkey ears.

After his father’s sudden death, Casto changed. As the eldest son, he felt it his duty to step up to help support the family. At age 11 years old Casto left school to work full time. He held a variety of jobs. Using his six donkeys, Casto would bring the produce farmed on his family’s allotment and firewood gathered in the surrounding hills to customers and the market. When he got a little older and stronger, Casto landed a job making adobe bricks. Then, when old enough, he headed to work in the mines digging and hauling out ore. It was then, he said, that his mother decided it was time to look for a better life for her son’s future.

As an American citizen, Casto’s mother was able to secure a smooth pathway into the United States. With the help of relatives, The Reyes family found jobs on farms and ranches. Together, they worked hard, saved money and within 3 years were able to buy a home of their own in Cupertino, CA.

It was at this time that Casto met his wife, Eleanor at a dance. She was beautiful in a pink formal gown and he was very handsome in a grey suit and pink tie. It was an instant match. They married on April 6, 1957. Six healthy children followed in quick succession. Their home and life was full.

As a father and husband, Casto was a man of integrity, honesty, hard work, and corny humor. One of his favorite jokes to tell was after a long day. He’d say “man I feel like a bicycle… too tired”. A company man, Casto worked almost 40 years for Palo Alto Sanitation Company. There he put in overtime, took on extra shifts and rarely took a day off, even when sick. Soon he worked his way into a management position in accounts payable and receivable as well as payroll. Fitness was also a big part of Casto’s life. He was an avid golfer and taught his boys to play, managed his sons’ baseball teams, and played on the company softball team. He had a lifetime membership at his local gym and for decades his routine included daily visits.

At home, Casto busied himself with caring for the house, always keeping it in good order. The yard and gardens were immaculate and repairs were done like clockwork. Casto taught his children and grandchildren many life lessons along the way, both verbally and through example. He taught them to be honest and to always do things the right way. He instilled the value of being thrifty, saving for the future, and encouraged them all to higher education. Even Though Casto had to leave school at 11, he continued to return to school whenever he could until in 1978, at the age of 43, he earned his high school diploma.

In his later years, Casto was able to slow down a bit and enjoy life. He and his wife traveled all over Europe and Mexico. He spent time in his beautiful garden and golfed weekly with his buddies. Casto also developed spiritually during this time. He had a dedicated prayer life where each day before breakfast and bed, he gave thanks for his many blessings and prayed for each of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation for Casto will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A final viewing will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A committal service will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.