Rudolfo V. Castillo

Rudolfo V. Castillo (Rudy) passed away Thursday, August 6th after a sudden illness. He died surrounded by his family. Rudolfo was born on March 6, 1929 in Socorro, NM to Josefita and Juan Castillo. He was one of seven children. After his high school graduation, he joined the US Navy in 1946. He was stationed on the USS Jeffers where he was a Yeoman. While in the Navy, he traveled to Cuba, Haiti, Brazil and the Panama Canal. During his assignment, he would accompany the captain of the ship as a translator. He spoke fondly and proudly of his time in service. After his time in the Navy, he came to Albuquerque to attend UNM. He received his BS in Education, and his masters in 1959. He left his career in teaching to join the State of New Mexico Employment Security Commission, where he helped countless people to find gainful employment. Following his retirement in 1983, he helped manage low income teens find employment through the Summer Youth program. He also assisted in programs to help formerly incarcerated persons find employment in their transition into the workforce. Rudolfo enjoyed nothing more than a family gathering over a great meal, and as always preferably at Leroy's New Mexican Food, or Los Compadres. He was a voracious reader, loved discussing politics and history. He had a wonderful wit about him and an encouraging word for everyone he'd meet. He greatly valued education and was thankful for the opportunities it had afforded him. He often spoke of his older brother, Carlos, inspiring him to receive his education. Rudolfo always wanted to impress upon any young person, the value of education. Our family would like to extend or express our gratitude to Helen, Ambrose, and all who treated Rudolfo at the Presbyterian Wound Center. He is survived by his wife Sophie (De La O); sons, John Castillo and wife Juana, Charles Castillo and wife Mary Kay, H. Ray Fajardo and wife Teresa; daughter, Marina Montoya and husband Richard; daughter-in-law, Socorro Castillo and kids; granddaughters, Amber, Rita, and Mary Montoya from Albuquerque; grandson, Isaiah Castillo of Las Vegas, NM; grandchildren John Jr., Desi, Carlos, Pearl, Cesar, Joaquin, and Cheyenne Castillo of San Jose, CA; granddaughters, Erika and Jacklyn of New York. He is survived by brothers, Carlos and JJ Castillo; his best friend, Leroy Baca; and beloved dog, Dodo, amongst many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by Juan and Josefita Castillo; his son, Rudy Castillo Jr.; brother, Arthur; and sisters, Dominica, Barbara, and Flora. A viewing will be held at 6:00 p.m. along with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church on August 10th. Burial Mass will be Tuesday August 11, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Ann's with the burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Leroy Baca, Charles Castillo, H. Ray Fajardo, John Castillo Jr., Richard Montoya, and Cesar Castillo.