We invite family, friends, colleagues, and former students to share their memories, reflections, and messages of condolence in honor of Joe Castro. Your words will be published here as a lasting tribute to the love, encouragement, and inspiration he shared with so many.
(To add your message, please scroll to the bottom of this page and use the box provided.)
53 responses to “Share Your Memories and Condolences”
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Mary and family,
The passing of Joe Castro is a loss shared by so many people of the Central Valley. Both Joe and Mary touched so many lives, and brought our communities together. He brought a new meaning to the job of University President.
He reached out to me in friendship, and brought me back to my Alma Mater to serve on the Ag Foundation Board. I’m proud to see this university rise under his leadership and see the students, many who were the first in their families to attend college, given the opportunity to reach new heights.
Thank you, Dr. Castro.LikeLike
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President Castro took me under his wing at Fresno State and served as a mentor for over a decade. He was a truly kind, warm, thoughtful, and compassionate person.
He means so much to me, the Fresno State community, and the Central Valley at large. He was a visionary and a service-focused leader. Joe cared deeply for the Central Valley, especially for those who were first generation college students. He always remembered his roots and helped paved the way for those who came from similar upbringings.
I’ll always have two “defining” memories of Joe Castro.
1) When my Dad wrote President Castro a letter thanking him for meeting with me, I assumed that the letter never made it to Joe’s desk. Weeks later, Joe not only made it clear that he had read the letter, he also referenced it in his “State of the State” speech on campus that semester. The fact that he took the time to read a thank you letter from a student’s parent is truly special.
2) Joe and Mary invited my parents to a gathering at Fresno State. My parents didn’t know anyone there, but Joe and Mary made a beeline for them, introduced themselves, and spoke to my parents for a long time.
Those are the caliber of people that Joe and Mary are.
Joe will be dearly missed, and I (along with countless others) will do my best to live out his legacy.
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Dear Mary,
Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family. I joined Fresno State in 2014, and I will always remember how welcoming President Castro was. I had the privilege of serving on the President’s Commission and learning from him. I am very grateful to you, Dr. Castro!
With love and sympathies,
Veena
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My wife, Consuelo, and I join Joe’s family in mourning the loss of a remarkable leader and friend. I met Joe in 1998 when we moved back to the Central Valley after completing our graduate programs. I worked with Joe at UC Merced and felt honored since I had heard about him from others in the Central Valley as someone who had also grown up in the Central Valley and decided to give back to the place that saw him grow up. Like Joe, I attended the Chicano-Latino Youth Leadership Conference and he and I always felt a connection due to our participation in the CLYLP – Joe as one of the earliest Central Valley participants in the early 1980s. As several friends wrote separately, Joe taught us to lead with humility and a fierce commitment to student-centered decision-making. I will do all that I can to continue Joe’s legacy by mentoring students and others to pursue their educational and career aspirations. Most of us may not receive the Ohtli Award as Joe did, which is the highest honor given to non-citizens of Mexico by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But we will continue to honor Joe’s legacy by bringing the word Ohtli (which means “pathway”) to life, by opening and widening avenues for today’s generation, just as he did for me and many others.
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My connection to Fresno State goes back to my freshman year, 1945, when Dr. Frank Thomas was president and, on some level, I have been acquainted with nearly every one of the subsequent presidents. I can say in all honesty that Joe and Mary Castro were among the most inspirational, impactful teams with whom our university has been blessed. Always searching for new ways to connect and encourage, I saw such positive, exuberant progress in their tenure. My thanks, sympathy and love go to Mary and the entire Castro family.
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Amongst a cowboy crowd clad mostly in Wranglers and boots, there was none other than Dr. Joseph I. Castro, nattily dressed, as usual, looking more suitable for a regents confab than the annual World Ag Expo.
But the ag show it was, and here Joe was, humbly and happily handing out ice cream with Mary, recruiting prospective students, not far from where we were from. I gladly accepted an ice cream from my old friend, now proudly president of Fresno State.
I first met Chancellor Castro at the Goldman School a long time before, I merely a new grad student, he already the assistant dean. Notwithstanding our different places at the school, as both first gens from the South Valley, we promptly bonded over many shared or familiar experiences that most others at Goldman would never know, much less ever understand. I grew to respect and admire Joe’s work ethic and intellect, and above all, his thoughtfulness and civility. Even back then, he was clearly destined for all the success he eventually achieved. Joe, you did a whole lot of good for so many, including me, and you’re gone way too soon. God Bless, my friend.LikeLike
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We were profoundly saddened to hear about Joe’s untimely passing. He was a warm, gentle, and generous person who treated everyone with warmth and dignity. His leadership in the CSU will be long remembered–he had a positive impact on countless students’ lives. We will always hold him in our hearts.
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I am humbled, grateful, and blessed to have had the privilege of calling Dr. Joseph Castro my friend. Dr. Joseph Castro was the first Mexican American President of Fresno State and the first Mexican American Chancellor of the California State University. He was more than a leader, he was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to all who knew him.
Dr. Castro carried a faith strong enough to move mountains, and indeed, he moved mountains for so many of us. His constant message to us was simple yet powerful: Be Bold. He wanted us to be bold in our lives, bold in our faith, and bold in pursuing our dreams. He also embraced the Aloha Spirit, a way of life that embodies love, kindness, and genuine connection. Just as Hawaii teaches us to live with open hearts, Dr. Castro lived that spirit, building authentic relationships, inspiring trust, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
His passing leaves a deep void in countless lives, yet his legacy remains. In his final days, he shared that he was ready to return home to the Lord. Dr. Castro was the perfect testimonial of a man who was able to hold onto hope and faith during challenging times, “it was well with his soul.” With unwavering faith, he could already see the joy of being reunited with Jesus.
Joe, you are deeply missed. In your memory, let us all choose to live boldly, with the Aloha Spirit you cherished. You will live in our hearts forever. Love, Lisa
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Dear Castro Family,
On behalf of the Interfaith Alliance of Central California (IACC), please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Joseph I. Castro.
Many of us at IACC hold fond memories of Dr. Castro’s partnership and support. During his time as President of Fresno State, our Rumi quilt project found a home on campus, and through his leadership, we were able to establish a nondenominational Meditation Room; a
sacred space that continues to symbolize peace and inclusivity for all. This room remains a testament to Dr. Castro’s vision and his commitment to creating a more compassionate and welcoming campus.
Dr. Castro’s leadership reflected IACC’s core values. He exemplified the spirit of affirming religious pluralism and celebrating difference, creating space for people of all faiths and backgrounds to be seen, respected, and valued. He stood as an ally in protecting minority rights and modeled the kind of civility in public discourse that our nation needs now more than ever. He was an advocate for building bridges of understanding and for nurturing a culture of respect.
Please know that communities from many traditions; including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Shaman and others are holding Dr. Castro and your family in their prayers.
May his memory be eternal with you, and may his legacy of service continue to inspire generations to come.
With sympathy and prayers,LikeLike
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Dr. Castro is literally a history maker! To be the first President of Fresno State from the Central Valley says a lot about who he was. He (and his Queen) were two of the kindest individual I’ve ever met.
So kind, humble, approachable and just as real and authentic as they come. The last year during my Masters program was the Castro’s first year at Fresno State…they made such an impact and had such a warm presence…literally the campus started to change for the better…new signage, buildings, initiatives…it was awesome to witness so much change during their first year.
I had the honor of being selected as one of the Graduate Dean’s Medal Recipient for the Kremen School of Education and was invited over to their home with the other selected recipients. Such an amazing experience and something I will forever cherish.
Since then I’ve had loose contact via social media with both Dr. Joseph and Mary Castro. I even had the opportunity to meet Dr. Castro at the CSU New York/Tri-State Area Reception back in 2017.
Such a huge loss indeed but I am confident he can rest easy now. He’s done such great work during his time…things that many could only dream of.
Thank you Dr. Castro for everything and a special thank you to Mary (and family) for sharing him with us all. My sincerest condolences during this time. 🙏🏽
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My deepest condolences to Mary, Isaac, Lauren, Jess, and Marilyn.
I loved Joe and deeply admired him. He brought out the best in me, and I will miss our conversations. When we were young, our talks often revolved around what it meant to build a life worth the effort. Looking at the family he and Mary created, it’s clear he more than fulfilled those hopes—and every bit of the effort was worthwhile.
I cannot, and will not, speak of Joe in the past tense. He is, and will always be, with me.
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Joe Castro served on the WSCUC Commission until his appointment as Chancellor. He was a steadfast champion for student success, a reflective policy maker, and a warm and collegial commissioner. He was also a wise and valued advisor to me as president, and ever the gentleman and friend. May his memory be a blessing to his family, friends, and the wide higher education community that he served so generously.
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Joe led a life of humility, humanity, and leadership. I knew Joe from his days as a doctoral student at Stanford, where he was part of a cohort of fellows in bilingual education, and he had a special interest in leadership and policy in higher education. He was always curious and engaged, and above all held collective interest as a strong value. The faculty, including his main thesis advisor Jim March, admired him. I followed his career through the Goldman School at UCB, his role in the establishment of UC Merced near his beloved Hanford, and his inspired tenure at Fresno State and quick rise to the top of CSU leadership. Throughout all of this, he maintained the qualities that made him a remarkable human being who balanced the complexities of life and relationships even in turbulent times. My heart gratitude goes out to Mary and his family for sharing his life with the rest of us.
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Our deepest condolences to Mary Castro and her family. Our heart breaks for your loss. Dr. Castro was a man of God who had integrity and passion for helping others. He had a gentle spirit and always had a smile. We will keep your family in our prayers.
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My deepest condolences to Dr. Castro’s family. I will always remember him as a kind, loving, selfless, caring, and inspiring human being who deeply cared about others. I will always remember your beautiful smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Mary, their children, and all who are grieving this great loss.With deepest sympathy,
Hovannes Kulhandjian
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Thank you, Dr. Castro, for your commitment to education in the Central Valley. You were one of a kind, and will be greatly missed. Keep rooting for the Dodgers up in Heaven, they need an angel to look over them! 💙
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Dearest Mary and the Castro Family, Joe’s loving memory will live on with us at the Executive Leadership Academy at UC Berkeley. We feel honored and grateful that his service as a Board member, faculty and Fellow graced our lives with so much dedication and love. Thank you for sharing so much of his time with us. On behalf of the ELA Board, faculty and 623 Fellows , please accept our deepest appreciation for his contributions and commitment. May God bless your family always, Josie Baltodano
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I will always remember the first time I met Dr. Joseph Castro. I was just starting my first year at Fresno State. As I passed by the SSU, he stopped, introduced himself, asked my name and my role, and wished me a good day. A few weeks later, I saw him again in McLane Hall. To my surprise, Dr. Castro greeted me by name. I was in shock as he remembered my name. From that moment on, every time we crossed paths on campus, he greeted me personally. It may seem like a small gesture, but it showed the depth of his character. It’s rare for leaders to remember the names of those around them, but Dr. Castro always made people feel seen and valued. To me, he embodied what it means to be a true leader. Through his speeches, his kindness, and the way he carried himself, he inspired me to be bold, to believe in myself, and to pursue dreams I never thought possible. I am where I am today because of the examples he had set and the lasting impression he left on my life. For that, I will always be grateful.
Thank you, Dr. Joseph Castro, for your remarkable leadership and the lasting legacy you’ve left in so many lives. The love and passion you shared will continue to live on in all of us.
To Mary, Isaac, Marilyn, Bella, and Jess, I extend my deepest condolences. My heart and prayers are with you during this time. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and strength in knowing how deeply Dr. Castro is loved by so many and had touched the lives of so many. His legacy of kindness, servant leadership, and passion lives on through all of us who have had the privilege of knowing him. May the memories you hold close bring you peace and may his light continue to shine through each of you.
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RIP Dr. Joseph Castro. I never had the chance to personally meet you, but you were an inspiration to me and my family. Thank you for all your encouragement to all the students at FSU.
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I sent Joe an email in 2014 or 2015 asking to talk to him about how we improve persistence rates for our your people in Fresno. He showed up. There are no words to express his and Mary’s impact on the Central Valley.
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Dear Mary & Family
I am so sad to hear of Dr. Castro’s passing. I have fond memories of working as his Presidential Aide,
decorating for holidays, helping with graduations, answering tough phone calls during a particular trying time, and the never-ending calendar challenges. He was a very giving person and a bright light to Fresno State and our community.Rest in peace, Dr. Castro and may God bless you, Mary, Jess and family. ALOHA.
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My sincere condolences to Mary and the Castro family.I so much appreciated his commitment to making a difference throughout his entire career and leadership. I can recall times we had conversations about bold international educational initiatives and programs that had an impact on many students as well as faculty and building bridges with the local community. I so much enjoyed those brainstorming sessions. Also the times spent with him and Mary when they welcomed international guests at the University house were so heartwarming. Many international visitors remember him fondly to this day. My prayers and love are with the entire Castro family at this time. Rest in peace Joe.
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Even though we are both Cal Bears, albeit 10 years apart, we did not meet until we were both working in Sacramento. I was serving as an Assembly Fellow in the State Legislature assigned to the higher education committee and Joe testified before the committee. I was immediately impressed by the soft spoken and incredibly intelligent man and even back then, over 30 years ago, I knew he was a superstar who was going places. A few years later when I was in graduate school at Stanford, I served as the student rep on the Ph. D admission committee for the School of Education. When Joe’s application came up I pointed to one of the faculty members and insisted he admit Joe and become Joe’s advisor (I am sure Joe would have been admitted anyway, though I wanted to ensure he was). He and I joked about this afterward. Our careers post Stanford ran parallel tracks-we both pursued administrative careers and both became college presidents. I was very excited when Joe became CSU Chancellor-we all know his heart was focused on increasing access and student success and we all celebrated his appointment. Never one to steal the spotlight-always committed to the work. A humble servant of the people. He faced his final days with such peace and dignity. Taking time to connect with his many friends before he passed to let us know he and we would be ok. Well done good and faithful servant, well done. We love you Joe ❤️
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Today, I learned of the passing of one of the greatest Latino educational leaders of all time, Dr. Joseph Castro. I had the honor of meeting Joe in 2005, when I joined his team as a graduate student researcher at UCSB and a program coordinator for Padres Adelante. Joe was kind, genuine, and compassionate. Something many of us, first-generation undergraduate and graduate students, desperately needed to navigate higher education. Joe was not only my supervisor and M.A. thesis committee member, but he was someone I looked up to. His work with the ENLACE y Avance Partnership made it possible for me to fund my graduate studies, motivated me to persist and complete my PhD, and inspired my professional commitment to creating opportunities for educational access at UC Irvine and CSU Dominguez Hills. I recently left higher education, but I remain committed to helping students build and navigate their personal journeys to educational success. Your work lives on, Joe, and so will your legacy!
My most sincere condolences to Joe’s family and friends.LikeLike
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Dr. Castro was a model as a servant leader. He was accessible even as he was climbing and at the pinnacle of his formal leadership. He took a call from me while chancellor as a dear friend had referred me to him.
I remember that phone call. I pulled over in SF so I could focus and not miss anything. I was discerning my future and he served as a guide with probing questions about my background that led to my becoming a CDO. After listening for awhile, he said it would be harder for me because folks are hardwired in their thinking about what leaders should be – from their background, identity. However, he said, so be it because I clearly have a purpose.
He told me that my path was mine and that it was a good one; and when it’s time everything comes into alignment. He said things will only make sense BECAUSE of my unique path in life and higher education because it is exactly what is required. He told me to be patient and keep my love for students knowing that things may unfortunately take longer for women of color. And leadership is serving and loving others. I am grateful to have known him – as he served and loved the Central Valley and State of California, and represented us throughout the nation and world with kindness and distinction.
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Dear Mary and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart hurts with you during this time of loss. Dr. Castro was such a humble, kind, and generous man who left a lasting impact on my life and on so many others.
He always led with heart, passion, and love. From supporting me as a nonprofit leader, to encouraging me to pursue leadership opportunities, he made me feel seen and valued. His support gave me confidence, and his trust reminded me that I belonged.
Please know that his legacy of love, hope, and kindness will continue to inspire us all. Sending you and your family a big hug, prayers, and wishes for comfort and peace in this difficult time.LikeLike
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I have known Joe since he was Berkeley student and he was also my Vice Chancellor Student Affairs colleague when he was at UCSF and I was at UCB. A great person gone to soon. My heartfelt condolences to Mary, Isaac, and the rest of the family.
May heaven welcome him with open arms.
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Joe was wonderful leader and human being. I am so appreciative that I was able to work with him.
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Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of President Castro. Joe’s bold initiatives and visionary leadership touched many lives, mine included. I will always be grateful for the many opportunities he entrusted to me, and for the example he set through kindness, sincerity, and humility. Though he rose to become a great national leader, he never lost sight of where he came from and the people of the Central Valley of California. His legacy will continue to live on in the people he inspired and the communities he uplifted. May the family find comfort in knowing how he profoundly shaped the lives of others and how deeply he will be missed. With deep sympathy and respect,
MitziLikeLike
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Joe’s passing brings with it memories of his warmth, compassion, good humor, and tireless focus on the success of first generation college students who, like him, worked to transform themselves, their families, and their communities. Debbie and I send our love to Mary and the family, with the hope that recalling Joe’s inspirational dedication will bring them peace.
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My deepest condolences to Mary and the Castro family. Joe was both inspirational and relatable to countless students and his higher education colleagues. I am honored to have his signature on my final CSU degree that I earned during his time as Chancellor. I appreciate how generous he was with his time and higher education expertise. He made space; he was about the work, always encouraging.
Thank you for sharing him with us. His advocacy mattered.
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Dear Mary and Family, I remember one very hot August evening in 2013, at a meeting at the African American Museum in downtown Fresno, as he fully endorsed The Sweet Potato Project, a youth entrepreneurial and character-building program for under-represented youth, as part of the West Fresno Family Resource Center. That program has expanded, and thrives today. When the California State Geographic Bee for 4th through 8th graders found a home at Fresno State in 2014, he was ‘all in,’ and said to me: “Call me Joe.” He appreciated the hard work and important role that all instructors played at Fresno State, from Lecturers Part-Time, to Full Professors. May his memory always be for a wonderful blessing to you and your family, and may God comfort you in this difficult time of mourning.
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Sending love, comfort and strength to Mary and family during this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Les envío mi más sentido pésame. Abrazos fuertes.
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I remember when I started at the CSU, I immediately joined the early morning walking group of Presidents that Joe led. Through those walks and so many other times, Joe lent me a helping hand, listened with patience, and helped me walk through many difficult moments of a first year president. My heart goes out to Mary and family. Thank you for sharing him with so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Dr. Castro was a true leader, one that leads by doing. A most wonderful man gone way too soon. His influence and positive contribution to education cannot be overstated. Rest in Peace, Dr. Castro, and may Perpetual Light shine upon you. Deepest sympathy and prayer of comfort for Mary and his family.
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Remembering the many, many triumphs and happy times.
An honor to have served as Joe’s Fresno State Provost.
Peace and love, Joe and family.
Always in our heart.
Lynnette and John Zelezny
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To the Castro Family,
You are in our prayers and thoughts. We are so very sorry for your loss. President Castro was a huge supporter of our African-American High School Recognition School Ceremony hosted by the San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. He understood the importance of ensuring that our African-American and Black students were recognized for their individual achievements. We will be grateful for his support of our community efforts, and he will be forever in our hearts.LikeLike
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President Joe Castro touched the lives of so many people with his caring, kind and loving approach to people. He lived the life of a first generation student and never forgot how important it was to challenge others to dream and to be bold. His legacy will live on as those he inspired achieve new levels of success.
Sharon and I extend our deepest condolences to Mary and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
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My heartfelt condolences to Mary and the family on the passing of Joe. I first met him in 2012 while serving as editor of The Fresno Bee, when he was eager to strengthen connections with the community. Years later, after I retired from the newspaper, he welcomed me to the university as an adjunct professor and was helpful in creating the Institute for Media and Public Trust at Fresno State.
Joe was a visionary leader with extraordinary people skills. He had the rare ability to bring others together, to listen with genuine care, and to inspire those around him to see possibilities beyond the moment. His leadership was matched by his kindness, humility, and deep commitment to building trust. I feel truly blessed to have known him, to have worked alongside him, and to have witnessed the impact he made on our community and beyond.
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Dear Mary and Family,
Sharon, the entire Cal Poly family, and I extend our deepest condolences on your loss. Joe’s passing is not only a loss to you, but also to the countless students he supported and inspired throughout his career.
I was fortunate to serve on the committee that recommended Joe to the Board of Trustees, which led to his selection as President of Fresno State. The Bulldog community was truly excited and embraced him wholeheartedly.I also fondly recall—and with a touch of sadness—a lighthearted challenge Joe proposed around a Fresno State–Cal Poly football game years ago. Joe delighted in reminding me of what I would owe if the Mustangs lost. The wager started with agricultural products and ended with the losing president agreeing to work out in the winner’s recreation center, surrounded by students wearing the victor’s gear. As it turned out, the Bulldogs won handily. It was not easy sending the products or exercising in red Bulldog gear in our own rec center, but Joe and I shared a lot of laughter over that memory.
Mary, I want to thank you for your deep engagement and for the way you’ve touched the lives of so many students, especially those most in need. Sharon and I send you our love, hugs, and prayers during this difficult time.
Joe is now at peace, but his absence is felt beyond words. We extend our hugs and prayers to you and your entire family.
With sympathy,
Jeff and Sharon Armstrong
Cal Poly Mustang Families – SLO and Solano/Maritime CampusesLikeLike
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To the Castro Family,
My deepest condolences on the lost of your loved one. Dr. Castro was a man of great generousity, kind-hearted, and always committed to helping others succeed.
I had the very great honor to be apart of Dr. Castro’s very first class of President’s Scholars in the Smittcamp Family Honors College. I was inspired to meet someone with that title as a first-generation college
student and from the Central Valley. Over the years as I went on to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Fresno State, I got to see Dr. Castro on several ocassions. My absolute favorite was when my dad got to meet him at the President’s House following a leadership ceremony. Thank you Dr. Castro for shining a light on what can be achieved in the community. My education at Fresno State under your leadership is something I will always speak highly of.Mary, I wish I could return one of those big hugs you always gave to others at special events on campus or in the community.
May Dr. Castro’s legacy live on in the lives of countless leaders across the Valley, state and nation.
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Sending my deepest condolences to Mary and family. May he Rest in Eternal Peace. 🙏🏽🕊️✝️
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Joe was a very good and dear friend. Growing up in Hanford CA, he was a great neighbor living a few houses down on Kensington Way. In high school I remember our talks about sports and life in general. Joe was a great friend and a great man. He will be missed. RIP! My prayers and condolences to Joe’s family. May God be with them.
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Dr. Castro played a fundamental role in how Fresno State is perceived on the national and local levels. Him and Mary invested so much in the campus community throughout their time here.
One of my favorite attributes about him is that he always tweeted back at students, even when it might seem uncomfortable. However, he became to be viewed as incredibly accessible to the population. I consider myself lucky to have his signature on my diploma from Fresno State. I will continue to “be bold” as an alumni. Thank you, Dr. Castro.
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Working with Joe Castro during his time at UCSB was one of the most rewarding periods of my life. As a colleague, I learned so much from my time with him that this continues to influence my life into retirement. His life sends ripples through time touching infinity!
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THANK YOU FOR LEADING WITH YOUR HEART.
“The gift of the servant-leader is love.”*Thank you, Dr. Joseph Castro, for leading by example, with your heart, and inspiring others (including me) to do the same. Your support of and uplift to all Fresno State students was a remarkable opportunity for me to witness. It also provided me motivation to enroll in and complete the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Fresno State.
I will always remember Dr. Castro and Mary Castro attending the inaugural Rainbow Graduation Celebration honoring the Class of 2014. An allyship in action moment for our campus and community, this was one of countless times you led with your heart.
Thank you for showing me how to lead with my heart. I love you. 💔
* Bolman and Deal / “Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership,” 6th ed. (2018).
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Dear Ms. Mary Castro and Castro family:
Dr. Joseph Castro was a world class leader in taking Fresno State to new levels. He helped shape Fresno State into the world class institution that it is today with his vision. He also helped elevate athletics with Fresno State getting into the PAC-12 in 2026. Thank you for all you’ve done in higher education Dr. Castro. Prayers to Mary Castro and the Castro family. Rest in Peace Dr. Joseph Castro.
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Dr. Castro was a giant, inspiring so many, especially in the Central Valley. Mary, I’m sending so much love to you and your family. Praying for strength, peace, and guidance from God.
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Joe was always kind and considerate and I mean always! I was at a tradeshow in Long Beach one day and Joe happen to be sitting in the restaurant. I entered with a whole bunch of executives from the college arena! He summoned me over to his table and introduced me as a trusted friend! I do respect all he did and may he rest in peace! Joe certainly earned that! Mary many of us in Fresno love you and pray for you
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Joey is my godfather, and I will always be thankful for his love, prayers, and support over the course of my life. I love you, Nino ❤️
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Dr. Joseph I. Castro In Memoriam 
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