TSGT. Rafael "Cassito" R. Castorena, RET. USAF Obituary

TSGT. Rafael R. Castorena, RET. USAF age 69, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 8, 2021 here in Del Rio. He was born on October 28, 1951 in Pino Suarez, Durango, Mexico. Rafael R. Castorena, was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He was a down to earth man who would make conversation with anyone he would meet. He enjoyed carpentry, singing his ranchera music, and most of all, ranch life. Rafael served in the U.S. Air Force in 1974 and worked for the U.S Air Force Civil Service for over 30 years. He was involved with the AFGE union at Laughlin AFB as a chief steward. He was also a graduate of Sul Ross State University where he received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology. Rafael also served his community by coaching both soccer & baseball. He was a very successful soccer coach and was the 1st local area coach to win an out of town soccer tournament for the city of Del Rio. He also helped those players in need by providing equipment and paying entry fees. His kindness allowed so many to his players to participate in the sport he loved. After his retirement, Rafael enjoyed working at the Sun Down Trails Ranch as chief operator alongside his son Jose Alonso and granddaughter, Emily Ann. He loved tending the animals and teaching his granddaughter, nieces, and nephews his experiences of ranch life. He often spoke about his love for his wife, sons, siblings, but most of all, his granddaughter Emily Ann. Preceding him in death was his mother, Maria Cleotilde Castorena; and brother, Francisco Castorena Jr.; Family members left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 46 years, Dora Imelda Castorena of Del Rio; father, Francisco Castorena of Brownsville, Tx; sons: Rafael Castorena Jr. of San Antonio, Jose Alonso Castorena of Del Rio, and Rosalío Castorena and wife Anna Lilia Castorena of San Antonio; siblings: Manuela Martinez, Elias Castorena, George Castorena, Maria de la Luz Mandujano, Maria Elena Hernandez, Juan Carlos Castorena, and Javier Castorena; granddaughter, Emily Ann Castorena; Rafael is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Trinity Chapel of Faith. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

TSGT. Rafael "Cassito" R. Castorena, RET. USAF

October 28, 1951 - August 8, 2021