ATLANTA, Ga. — Joseph John Castro, age 57, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away surrounded by his loving family on March 1, 2016.
Born in Auburn on June 5, 1958, he graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1980 with a degree in Finance. He spent 32 years at Raymond James & Associates, where he was a Senior Vice President of Investments and Planning, helping people achieve financial independence. He valued every moment with Raymond James because the company’s integrity and values aligned with his personal integrity and uprightness.
While working in the same office building in Atlanta, Joe met his wife, Jenny. They were married in October of 1993 and together they started a family. They joined Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and have been active members since 2001.
Joe’s relationship with God the Father was unshakable. He set an example for his family and community through regular Mass attendance and faithful devotion. Joe also helped other parishioners grow their faith as a leader at Christ Renews His Parish, a religious retreat. A Knight of Columbus, Joe organized monthly Pancake Breakfasts to fund-raise for pro-life organizations. Additionally he led his son’s Boy Scout Pack to become 12th in the nation in popcorn sales and laid the foundation so that the following year the pack became first in the nation. He was also the St. Pius X Golden Lions’ biggest fan, in attendance of every home football game and dance concert to support his two daughters.
In his leisure, he treasured the time he spent with his family; he especially loved the regular camping trips in their 19-foot beloved camper. Their most memorable vacation was their 10-day trip to the Grand Canyon. Joe had a passion for home improvement projects; the family favorite — the fire pit that made for many summer nights filled with family and love.
Joe is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jennifer White Castro; three children, Abigail, 21, Maria, 17, and Joseph, 14; his siblings Karen, Tina, and Mary; his nephews, Chris, Nick, Michael; and his niece, Laura. He is preceded in death by his sister, Diane; and his parents, Joseph and Virginia.
The family will receive friends and family at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Thursday, March 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 12 at noon, also at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Pregnancy Aid Clinic”, a Pro-Life agency supported by the Knights of Columbus. Checks can be made payable to "Pregnancy Aid Clinic" and sent to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, c/o The Knights of Columbus, 1350 Hearst Drive, Brookhaven, GA 30319; or you can go to www.pregnancyaidclinic.org/donate.