Mario DelCastillo, 69, a Northland resident of Kansas City, MO passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the St. Luke’s Hospice House with his loving family by his side. Mario was born May 26, 1949 to Ruben and Basilia (Diaz) DelCastillo in St. Paul, MN.
He was a Veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam Era, 1969 – 1973.
Mario was united in marriage with LaRaine Culver on June 25, 1971 in Castro Valley, CA. From this union they had three children: Matthew, Allison and Sarah.
Mario retired as the Assistant Fire Chief at Fort Leavenworth Fire Department.
He loved spending time and traveling with his grandchildren and family. Mario enjoyed abstract painting with acrylics; he has his own “gallery” at the family home. Mario enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, but listening to the “Blues” was his favorite.
He was preceded in death by both parents and a brother, David. Survived by his loving wife, LaRaine DelCastillo; three children: Matthew DelCastillo (Christina) of Kansas City (North), MO; Allison Evans (Barry) of St. Joseph, MO; Sarah Bruce (Lamar) of Kansas City (North), MO; seven grandchildren: Addison, Gavin, Cole, Jonathan, Mariah, Isaiah and Alana; a Great-Granddaughter, Zaya; six siblings: Ruben DelCastillo (Candiss); Anita Stanke (Robert); Luciana DelCastillo (Joe); Christina Simon (Filmore); Rick DelCastillo; and Roger DelCastillo (Sara).
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m., – 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville, MO. The Funeral Service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor David Hintz officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Fallen Firefighters Association. Memories of Mario may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
While only knowing you for a short time at Ironhorse God Club, I valued our friendship and thought of you as a father-figure. You will be missed by all of us with your cheery greetings. “Yesssss” you will be missed.
Our morning meetings will not be the same without Mario here.. everyday he would tell the crew at Ironhorse “Let’s hit it with great exuberance”. He was a great operator. He had so much pride in his work that he even named his 4000 rough mower “Lucille” and was one a few to operate it. But he wasn’t just a great operator though, he had a huge heart, was very inspiring, and I considered him a role model for the younger guys on the crew.
His positivity was contagious. We are all better people for getting to know Mario these last couple years. I’m honored to have called him my friend, forever grateful for his service, and will miss him very much.
LaRaine , Bill and I were so sorry to hear of Mario passing. He was such a pleasant gentleman at church. Always smiling and greeting everyone.
I pray God holds you and your family close during this time of grief. Hold on to the good memories. If we can do anything for you please do not hesitate to ask.
God bless you,
Bill and Shirley Raines
Yes Mario, you will be missed by many. I had the privilege of serving with you on the USS Hancock see V.A. 19 for nearly 4 years from 1969 to 1973. I truly enjoyEd the times spent with my Bud. I had the privilege and honor of being the best man at your wedding and will hold those memories forever. I am so happy that we were able to reunite after so many years. I enjoyed the times at our ships reunions and being able to relive the days we spent half the shores of Vietnam together. Funny how he didn’t seem so bad when we were able to look back on it. You are a great man and I will love and miss you for the rest of my days.
I hung around with Rueben back in the 60’s and was good friends with “cos” and knew Mario. What a fine family that I had the pleasure of knowing . RIP Mario.
LaRaine,
Words fall short…. I am so sorry for your loss and will pray for you and your family , and for the friends that loved your husband. Praying for our Lord to hold you and your loved ones close.
Sincerely
Sherry Stout
Mario was such a gentleman an loving husband and father. He loved his “Blues” and working at the Jazz Festivals in Parkville. He never met a stranger and livedife to the fullest. You and your family are I. My prayers and thoughts are. I will miss him a lot. Take care.
With Sincere Sympathy & prayers for your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you in a special way.
Hey Bud, I have to talk to you today. I like many am feeling a tremendous loss today. It will be very hard to say goodbye to my bud today. I love you man and will miss you forever.
Mario is a “quality Individual”.
I have known Mario and LaRaine For many years.
We played baseball at the Fort for many years.
What a gentleman with a GREAT since of humor .
We will ALL miss that big smile !!
I expect to see it again someday …
God bless Mario’s Family !!
Dennis and Deeanna Wright
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mario. Our friendship goes back many years to Bradley Street in Maplewood Mn where our families lived side by side. You never forget those childhood days playing from morning til night with our friends. My thoughts are with you today.
Always appreciated Mario’s friendship for many years and for bringing me in to perform at Parkville on several occasions. He was a true gentleman.
So very sorry to read of Mario passing.Mario was great firefighter.I worked with him at NAS Alameda Fire Dept. in the mid 1970’s..Mario was a gentle soul and a. very nice man..I have thought of him over the years and have wondered what became of him..I know why he made Asst. Fire Chief he was always reading and learning practical firefighting tactics and strategies..He always was ready with a laugh and a smile..I’am so sorry DelCastillo family for your loss…