Florentino Rios Castillo Jr.

1ST Battalion 1ST Marines 1ST Marine Division

United States Marine Corps

Glendale, Arizona 22 JULY 2025

Florentino Rios Castillo Jr., lovingly known as JR, was born on March 23, 1935 in Phoenix, Arizona, and he went to be with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on July 22, 2025.

He grew up in the Barrios of Central Metro Phoenix. His father, a retired construction worker, was a groundskeeper at Saint Mary's Basilica Catholic Church downtown.

He primarily attended the O.L.P.H Church in Glendale. He strongly believed that life was only worth living through a strong relationship with God.

Florentino lived in Arizona all his life, with the exception of his military service which took him to Korea and Japan, to serve & protect our country.

He met and married the love of his life, Adelaide Huizar Castillo. Together, in their humble home, they raised three sons and a daughter. Plus, Nana Adela and Tata JR showed their love as grandparents in being part of their grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives as they grew into who they are today.

JR gave his family unforgettable love with a constant reminder to never give up.

He made a living for his family as a highly skilled welder. He was extremely proud to have been chosen to work on valley freeways, Tempe’s Big Surf, AMC theaters, and the Cardinal's Stadium in Glendale.

A memory he cherished deeply was riding in a limo with his mother, Nicanora, for a Veteran’s Day parade to honor Phoenix Navy/Marines Gold Star mothers.

JR fondly remembered his mother stood out, as she was the only Mexican/American mother in the group.

JR looked up to his two older brothers in the service. His eldest brother, Trinidad, was Killed In Action in the Palau Islands, and Alvino “Nene” retired as a highly decorated military veteran.

After serving in the Arizona National Guard, JR went to the Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton for Military Police training, then he was quickly shipped off to the DMZ in North Korea.

JR was quickly reassigned as a machine gunner, and he later appeared on the front page of the local Phoenix newspaper, carrying a machine gun and memorializing history. The article's headline read; North Korea Prisoner’s Exchange with America.

There were several “Code Talkers'' that befriended JR and they nicknamed him ‘Arizona." Chico Valenzuela from Gilbert was another special buddy he fondly remembered.

JR was a member of the American Legion Post 41, Glendale's Veterans of Foreign Wars & Disabled Veterans of America for life.

The Ira Hayes Marine Corps Parade in Sacaton, Arizona, was an event JR looked forward to, to reunite with his friends.

Oorah! Semper fi!

Florentino was preceded in death by his wife, Adela, and his son, Victor (MaryHelen). His siblings; Trinidad, Jose Rubio, Nicolas, Alvino, Lupe, Ramona, Mary Lou, Delores. His niece, Roseann, and nephews, Alex and Pete.

He is survived by his children; Richard (Delia), Roberta (Edward), and Robert (Margie), along with 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren.

Grandchildren: Melissa, Eric (Stephanie), Sonya (Thomas), Jaime, Christina (Daniel), Mikayla, Lauren, and Zoe.

Great grandchildren: Daniel (Aimee), Brianna, Sage, Jacob, Xavier, Sofia, Alejandro, Adrieanna (Gary), and Anthony.

Great Great grandchildren: Olivia, Ezekiel, Serenity, Romero, Izin, Evelyn, Daniel Jr., and Aliyah.

He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Joey, Danny, David, Bill, Anthony, Rick, Johnny, Eddie, Jonathan, Yvette, Jennifer, Maryhelen, and Cathy… and many more loving family members, including from his wife's family.

Dad, Tata JR will forever be loved and dearly missed.

JR's MEMORIES INCLUDE:︎

• His newspaper delivery route on 7th Ave's historic homes, now known as Heritage Square Downtown Phoenix.

• Winning swimming ribbons & medals at South Mountain park's Boy Scouts Campground.

• Riding bikes across the Salt River at 7th avenue to explore the caves at South Mountain.

• Swimming at Grant Park.

• Cruising his ‘49 Classic Mercury Black Sedan through the streets of the valley of the sun, metropolitan phoenix communities.

• Selling fruit to the Soldiers at the Phoenix Downtown train station waiting to ship out.

• Dancing, going to the casino, watching old western movies, sports, and sharing stories with his grandkids and friends.

Join us in remembering JR, a caring heart, and celebrating a life well lived!

Florentino Rios Castillo JR

Military Honors Memorial Services

JULY 31, 2025 (Thursday)

Visitation - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

1:00 pm - A memorial to JR video presentation

2:00 pm - Rosary / Rev. Chris Georges OLPH Church

2:45 pm - Eulogy / Mikayla Castillo, Granddaughter

4:30 pm - Closing of the casket / Family Private Time

5:00 pm - Concludes visitation services

Funeraria Del Angel Greer-Wilson Chapel

5921 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033

AUGUST 1, 2025 (Friday)

Mass Church Services - 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Father Patrap Reddy Gatla “Paul”

1st Reading: Sonya Hernandez / 2nd Reading Adrieanna Hernandez

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH)

5614 W Orangewood Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301

Gravesite Military Honors Burial - Color Guard / Taps / Volley Salute

Pallbearers / Mariachi Aguila de Marcelino Cervantes

Luke Military Honors Guard / Folding of the Flag

Marine Corps League Reading,

American Legion Post 41 Ira Hayes Detachment

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

West Resthaven Cemetery Park

6450 W Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ 850301

Family Gathering / Reception following services

West Resthaven Reception Hall - 12:45 pm - 4:00 pm