Edward Redondo Castellanos

Edward R. Castellanos passed away on March 15, 2023. Edward was born in Globe Arizona on March 27, 1935, to Feliciano and Maria Louisa Redondo Castellanos. He grew up in Globe, Arizona, and played Varsity football as a 127 lb freshman starting at middle linebacker. He continued his academic and athletic career at Palo Verde Jr College in Blythe, California, where he played both football and baseball. To finance his college endeavors, he worked summers in both the Superior and San Manuel Copper mines. He married the love of his life Esperanza (Hope) Benzor in 1958 who remained by his side for 65+ years. Edward began his teaching career in Aguila, Arizona, a small farming community near Wickenburg for one year. He eventually moved back to Globe where he taught for 30 years, finally retiring in 1993. He primarily taught Spanish but also taught history and enjoyed coaching multiple sports at the Jr. High and High School levels. He later became a long serving, 30-year basketball and multisport referee and umpire. He loved to ref basketball because it helped keep him slim and trim. He traveled all over the state blowing that whistle with Gusto. He was an avid ASU fan for decades. He was privileged to attend both Rose Bowl games that ASU participated in and attended the College Baseball World Series twice. He was also a season ticket holder for ASU and the Arizona Cardinals for multiple years. You will find his and Hope’s picture at the Phoenix Muni Stadium commemorating the final ASU baseball game at Packard Stadium where they attended baseball games for 40 years. Edward was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a referee with the AIA for over 30 years. During retirement, Edward and Hope toured the country visiting every single state in the USA, including a trip to Europe. Edward is preceded in death by his parents, brother Feliciano, sister Dora, sister Emma, brother Lorenzo and Grandson Tristan. Edward is survived by his loving wife Hope, sons Mark (Lisa), Andrew (Robin), brother Ernest (Nancy), sister Rosemary (family), grandchildren Jordan (Matt), Torrin, Miranda, Cayden, Addison, and great granddaughter Tatum. Edward will be missed by his family and friends as a loving, genuine person who lived a full 87 years. He passed peacefully surrounded by family.