Obituary of Joseph John Castro

Tomorrow would have been our dad’s (and granddad’s) 95 birthday but, covid and its complications had other plans. After losing our lovely mother/grandmother Ada just last year, it is with great sadness that we now say goodbye to our much loved and charming Papa Joe. Joseph John Castro, the youngest of 8 kids, born to Portuguese immigrants, spent his entire life in Santa Cruz. A Holy Cross high school graduate, he met and married Ada (Kasje) before heading off to the Korean War. After working short stints with Santa Cruz public works, and laying hardwood floors, Joe found a home working as a manager for Oroweat. He passed up numerous promotions to the bakery’s headquarters in San Francisco, always citing he wanted his kids to grow up in the town he loved. To his very core, Joe was a family man. Married 70 years, with 3 kids and 5 grandkids, there was not a game, recital or school event Joe and Ada did not attend. His family meant everything to him and he made sure we knew it. The running joke was you could not leave the house without a jacket, some cash and your car windshield needed to be clean. A task he would do before we pulled out of the driveway. Ada and Joe had a wide circle of friends. They had crazy, fun parties, went on wonderful trips throughout California and Europe and never missed a class reunion. But, Joe’s sole and entire life was devoted to us. Determined to show us the U.S., we took long car trips throughout the west with Joe always announcing: “we’re going to have fun Damn it”. Another trip to the east coast had us touring from DC to Boston. Joe and Ada’s home in Rolling Woods was a safe haven for all of us. They lived there for more than 60 years with every family milestone and holiday celebrated in their colorful backyard. Well into his 80-ies Joe was still active and attending grandkids birthday parties. Skipping the bounce house but enjoying the cake! Joe is survived by his three children. Son Steve Castro (Kim), daughters Tana Boysen (Neal) and Lori Stewart. His wonderful Grand kids Patrick Castro (Cynthia), Whitney Castro (Ian), Connor Castro (Bella) and Jack Boysen. Joe has now joined his sweet wife Ada, his loving son-in-law Farley and his cherished grandson Nick. Papa Joe: the successes we’ve had in life, both personally and professionally, comes back to your guidance. Thank you for showing us how it’s done. We’ll take it from here. Please click this link to see an article celebrating Ada and Joe’s 70th wedding anniversary. https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2016/01/22/name-dropping-daring-to-ask-a-pretty-teen-out-paid-off-in-big-way-for-castros/