Oscar Franco Del Castillo

Oscar Franco Del Castillo, 88, lifelong resident of San Antonio, died peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2008, surrounded by his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Ramona H. Del Castillo and his beloved parents Margarito Del Castillo and Josefina Franco Del Castillo, one brother and eight sisters. He was a devoted father to his four children and their spouses, Rosalita Mitchell Larry of Rio Rancho, NM; Anthony David Del Castillo Sally of Sugarland, TX; Roland B. Del Castillo Maribeth and Kathleen Hernandez Samuel all of San Antonio. Oscar leaves behind 11 cherished grandchildren, Madeleine Loeffler, Stephanie Mitchell, Melissa Abel, Michael Del Castillo, Joey Hudgins, Thomas Del Castillo, Kristi Hynes, Kobi Roberts, Ben Del Castillo, Christian David Chamberlain, and Brian Hernandez. Survivors also include 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; his brothers Richard Del Castillo and wife Bertha; and Arthur Del Castillo; his sister Helen and husband Joseph Davila; and numerous nieces and nephews. Oscar was born on December 18, 1919, in San Antonio. As a true member of the "Greatest Generation," he served proudly during World War II in the United States Army. He fought valiantly in the Battle of Buna in New Guinea, and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his heroism under fire on January 1, 1943. He had a successful career as a dispensing optician and laboratory technician for over 50 years. In 1982 he opened his own optical business, Valley-Hi Optical, which he managed until his retirement. He was greatly respected in the optical community for his knowledge and expertise. During his career, he trained and mentored many opticians in San Antonio. He was deeply committed to his community and participated in several areas of service throughout his life. He was a Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Leader for troops in Sacred Heart and St. Paul Parishes. He also served as District Commissioner for the Central District of the Boy Scouts of America, San Antonio. He never forgot his service in the military and had a deep sense of obligation to his brothers-in-arms. He held a lifelong membership in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and served as Commander of the Alamo Chapter. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion #568. He was an active member of the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services and received two awards for VAVS Volunteer of the Year at Audie Murphy VA Hospital. He and his beloved wife Ramona traveled widely to VAVS and MOPH conventions all over the country and cherished their work for these organizations. As a business owner, he extended his service to the larger community through membership in the San Antonio West Rotary International and focused his philanthropic work in behalf of this organization on providing eyeglasses for children Angel Eyes at Lackland City Elementary School in Northside Independent School District. He was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award of Rotary International, however, his most treasured organization was the Prospect Hill Triangles, a group that began as a junior high athletic club composed of a group of young men, some of whom had been friends since the first grade. They grew up to serve in the military, city government and business. Their friendships continue to this day with a history of over 70 years of mutual interests, commitment to each other and service to country. Those who were fortunate to know and be loved by him have been greatly affected by his generous and loving nature, sense of humor, and heroic resilience. The family is particularly grateful for the wonderful, compassionate support of VistaCare Hospice in the final months of his life and also Dolores Rodriguez, independent home health specialist.