Share Your Memories and Condolences

53 responses to “Share Your Memories and Condolences”

1. 

   FP Felser

   November 5, 2025

   Dear Castro family, This past weekend was Feast of All Souls and All Saints. I had offered many prayers of repose for Dr. Castro. The payoff may have been the back to back victory by the Dodgers this weekend. 🙂 Thinking of Joe and his fandom of the boys in blue. Peace. FF

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2. 

   Kilton Anderson 7

   October 30, 2025

   During my years at Fresno State, Dr. Castro didn’t just show up for the big games—he showed up for us as people. He took the time to learn names, ask how we were doing, and remind us that we were more than our jersey numbers. When the days were long and the pressure was real, his encouragement carried weight because it came from a place of genuine care.

   He believed in what Fresno State football could be, but more importantly, he believed in who we could become beyond the field. His presence and support helped shape an environment where players knew they were valued, respected, and part of something bigger.

   I remain grateful for the moments he took to stand with us—not as a distant university leader, but as someone who cared about our lives, knew our names, cared about our futures, and our character. His impact will stay with me always. It was an honor to know him.

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3. 

   Encarnacion Ruiz jr

   October 4, 2025

   You never know the blessing heading your way. I walked into the Office of the President Office of Relations with Schools, Fresno one morning and there was Joe Castro, a young guy sitting at the receptionist’s desk. I figured he was a temporary employee for OP Public Relations and said hello. I discovered he was a new intern with OP Government Relations and was free for the day. I invited him to join me on school visits in Tulare, and we were off to a new friendship.
   Joe is from Hanford, and I am from Goshen, so we developed a quick common bond. He said he graduated from UC Berkeley even though an advisor once told him he would not likely gain admissions. He shared that while disappointing, it did not deter him but rather made him more determined.
   The University of California had sought to establish a greater presence in the San Joaquin Valley for years, but it was not until Joe Castro joined the project that the establishment of the UC Center in Fresno came to be. He arranged for my unit to join the Center and soon we were collaborating on increasing access and opportunities to UC for San Joaquin Valley communities.
   His early success and experience made him a superb founding planner for the New UC Campus in the Jan Joaquin Valley, today known as UC Merced. On one occasion after delivering a talk on the vision and planning of UC Merced, a guest jubilantly said, “You are the great white hope.” A thought rushed through my mind, but Joe is Latino, so I interjected, “Maybe the Great Brown Hope.” She was correct, Dr Joseph Castro, brought “Hope” by delivering positive actions, love, and commitment. He served with equality and fairness, the disadvantaged, the underrepresented and people from all backgrounds. His positive influences improved the San Joaquin Valley, California, and the United State of America.
   When I think of Joe Castro the President, the Chancelor, the Father, the Husband our friend, I can still see his wonderful laugh. Joes’ eyes become filled with intense joy, he gets a little more color, and his face lights up with a huge warm smile. You expect an outburst, robust, thundering laugh but instead you receive a warm low tone, Huh! Huh! Huh! This laugh captures the essence of Joe Castro. Intelligent, Thoughtful, Driven, Determined, Collaborative, Caring, Loving, His Faith in God, and yet humble. His success in life reminds us of the good and positive differences one person with faith and determination can make in this world. Joe continues to bring us Hope! [even in challenging times] for a better world for all.

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