ERASMO “MITO” CASTRO
May 31, 1933 - May 31, 2018
Erasmo “Mito” Castro, took his last breath on the morning of his 85th birthday, May 31, 2018, en “El Rancho” surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. Castro was born in his home, 5.5 miles East of Calexico, to Julia Valdez Montoya and Carlos Martinez Castro. He joined his older siblings: Abundio (Maggie), Urbana (Vasquez), Carlos, Santiago, and Juan and later welcomed younger siblings: Julio (Linda), Maria De Los Angeles (DeLaRosa), Bascilio (Francis), Rosario (MasonGurule), and Arturo (Martha). The Castros initially owned their first home on 5th Street in Calexico prior to December 1943, when the family matriarch, Nana Julia, secured the purchase of “El Rancho” off Haven Road in Holtville, CA, where Mito and his siblings were taught to work collectively and diligently as youngsters in their produce fields and raising countless farm animals in preparation of market and auction within Imperial County. They also traveled up north as a family to work the fields of Gilroy and Hollister during his early years.
Mr. Castro began his education in 1941 at Jasper School, on the outskirts of Calexico. He soon transferred to Holtville School District where he graduated in 1952 from Holtville High School. While a student at HHS, he participated in numerous school activities; including, football, FFA, and entered into military service with the California Army National Guard on July 30, 1951, assigned to the Holtville Armory.
In 1956, he officially joined the United States Army and saw duty in Korea, where he was assigned to guard the DMZ at the 38th Parallel. When Erasmo mustered out of
regular Army service in 1958 he again enlisted in the National Guard and served dutifully until December 16, 1977, when he retired as a Staff Sergeant after almost 24 years of military service. While in service he earned the Good Conduct Medal, as well as qualifications as Expert on the M-1 Rifle, Sharpshooter, and the automatic rifle and pistol Cal. 45. Following the example of eldest brother, ‘Abe’, all eight brothers served proudly in the U.S. Army. In 2005, the Castro brothers were commended by Congress with a Congressional Letter in recognition of the 127 years of military service collectively between the brothers. Further noted, no single generation of American family has given so much military service in the history of the United States of America. Prior to succumbing to his illness in 2005, he served as Post Commander for the VFW Holtville Post.
In 1958, he married Maria De Refugio Zavala, and prior to their separation they welcomed 6 children, Lina Maria (grandchildren; Renita and Angelica/ greatgrandchildren; Ricardo, Francisco, Peyton, and Maddex), Amanda (Jose and Amanda/ Adelina), Cassandra/Kenny, (Gilbert, Kimberly, Jewelissa, Jacqueline and Aryanna/ Regan, Maddi, Mikey, and Maleia), Julio (Melissa and Julian/ Alexiah, Jayden, Aniah, Elijah, and Ivory), Mark (Markie and Keilina), and Deborah (Andrew, Nathan, and Sammy). In 1976, he married Yvonne Harvey, together adding children Raul/Antoinette (Elizabeth, Dominque, Clarissa and Raul/ Jayden), Natalia (Alexis, Erasmo, Jennifer, Jose, and Roman), and Silvia/Fernando (Isaak, Brianna, and Andrew) to his most prideful legacy of children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Prior to succumbing to his illness, Mr. Castro was always an avid reader as a true believer of life-long-learning. He studied at Imperial Valley College and San Diego State University. He loved to learn and teach others of the wealth of history, especially of our Imperial County. He was passionate of all things Imperial Valley. Between his military service, Mr.
Castro also worked various jobs in Imperial County, including in the early years; delivery driver for Granny Goose Chips, El Tiki Restaurant, and Holtville School District.
Mr. Castro will be celebrated and laid to rest on June 8, 2018 as he joins those who have preceded him into eternal life, namely his parents, brothers, (Abe and Carlos) and his first-born daughter and son, respectfully, Lina and Julio. We will gather at 7 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church 560 Maple Avenue in Holtville; with burial services to follow at Terrace Park Cemetery - 1564 Zeno Road. Please join us at the American Legion Hall in Holtville, immediately following burial services.
Thank you to the staff of the ARIA Hospice for your ongoing moral support for our family and quality care provided on behalf of Mr. Castro, especially in these final months.