Obituary of Frank Machado Castro

Frank Machado Castro Frank Machado Castro passed away on June 20, 2011 in Santa Cruz. He was 92 years old. Frank was born April 18, 1919 in Gustine, CA to Frank and Gertrude Castro. Frank grew up on a family dairy ranch in Gustine, until Frank and his family moved to Santa Cruz when he was 18 years old. While in Santa Cruz he met his future wife Dora Stagnaro, whom he married in 1944. Frank was drafted into the US Army at the start of World War II and was stationed for two years at Fort Knox, Kentucky as a mechanics instructor. Dora was able to join him there and they made friends that they corresponded with for the rest of their lives. Frank served the remainder of his war time duty in numerous countries in Europe. After returning to Santa Cruz, Frank became a "milkman" for Golden State Dairies which later became part of Foremost Dairies. He delivered milk and ice cream to local grocery stores and restaurants until he retired in 1981. Frank was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. He and Dora were involved in activities and fundraising at the Oblates of St. Joseph for many years. Frank and Dora each had 7 brothers and sisters, many of whom also raised their families in Santa Cruz. Family activities were a large part of their lives. They also enjoyed traveling with four of their life long friends from Santa Cruz. Frank and Dora were married for 52 years before Dora died in 1996. After that, Frank felt very fortunate to have their daughters and their families all living in Santa Cruz. He looked forward each year to the annual "Castro Family Reunion" in Santa Cruz when his brother, sisters and their families would all travel to gather here for a day. Frank celebrated his 92nd birthday in April with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at his home, where he lived until the last month of his life. Frank is survived by his daughters, Valerie Burke and her husband John and Sue Hogan and her husband Dean, both of Santa Cruz, grandchildren, Michelle Burke Negro and her husband Scott, Scott Burke, Jennifer Hogan Ramsey and her husband Mark, Julie Hogan Graff and her husband David, all of Santa Cruz, sister, Adeline Castro Tucker, brother, Joe Castro, both of Santa Cruz, 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Castro in 1996 and 5 of his sisters. A Memorial Mass for Frank will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 515 Frederick St. in Santa Cruz at 11 AM. Frank will be laid to rest beside his wife Dora at Holy Cross Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your favorite charity.