Antonio (Tony) Baca Castro

Antonio (Tony) Baca Castro, passed away on February 20, 2021, at the age of 92. He was born on  August 1, 1928, in Bakersfield, CA., the son of Santos Baca Castro and Sotero Castro. He grew up in Bakersfield and later moved to Norwalk, CA.

Tony was one of 11 siblings. Having lost his father at the young age of 10, he took on many familial responsibilities transforming him into manhood at an early age. When his older siblings went off to war, he made the noble decision to leave school in order to help support his mother and younger siblings.

In 1949 he married Margie Urrea, and to this union, two sons were born, Anthony and Ralph. They spent several years residing in Monolith, California, located in Kem County. While in Monolith, he worked at the cement plant. Upon the end of this union, Tony moved to the city of Norwalk in Los Angeles County, where his brother Steve resided.

He found the love of his life, Consuelo (Chelo) Castaneda, and on July 28, 1961, they joined into marriage. They moved to a small white home in Pico Rivera, California, on Rosemead & Slauson Blvds. The house is no longer there; however, their memories continued to grow in their Pico Rivera home on Mines Ave. Tony and Consuelo brought into the world two daughters, Irene and Connie. Family was a priority to Tony. He was a strong role model for his children and grandchildren, and also a support to family and friends whom he treated as if they were children of his own. He built strong bonds with life-long friends, which still have positive ramifications today, and continue with extended-family relationships. The Castro's always invited in family to special events in their home, making ordinary days special days. Tony would open his home to game nights, parties, dinners, barbeques, and annual festivities such as the Fourth of July and Halloween. Although Tony was a strong man, he had a warm heart filled with care and love.

Tony was a man of many talents. His career was as an automotive painter with Ford Motor Company. To this day, you will find his family driving Fords. In his garage, one could always find Tony working on many projects, such as painting, welding, plumbing, and electrical. After his retirement, he continued these hobbies, including painting homes, construction ventures, and wrought iron projects. To this day, you can still find his handy work displayed at his family and friend's homes.Tony was a great outdoorsman. He loved family camping trips; some of his favorite destinations included El Capitan State Park and Dinkey Creek. He enjoyed riding his Triumph motorcycle and ATVs with his son, wife, daughters, and grandchildren. His camping trips became a tradition with his grandchildren, and extended family. This was a special time in which memories will hold dear in the hearts of all who joined.

Exploring the world brought adventure to his life. He looked forward to deep sea fishing trips throughout Mexico shared with his son, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and close friends. He especially enjoyed his trips with his "Amor" Chelo. They traveled to Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Grand Canyon, crossing Route 66, and Alaska. Tony's longest trip was driving from Whittier, California, to Whittier, Alaska. Whether it was a trip on land, sea, the road, a cruise, or exploring nature, Tony appreciated this Earth, while he was here. The experiences he has helped create will live on in the hearts of those who remain.  Tony lived a full life and blessed all those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his wife Consuelo, infant son Anthony and his youngest daughter  Connie.  Siblings: Emilio, Mingo, Margaret, Dela, Steve, Tani, and Fidel.

He is survived by his children: Ralph (Lupe) Castro and Irene (Robert) Zepeda;

Grandsons Buddy (Leticia) Castro, Tony (Lucy) Castro, Robert Zepeda Jr., and Christian Zepeda.  Great-Grandchildren; Luke, Lola, and AJ Castro. Siblings: Benita Pina, Hope Bueno, and Tommy Mojica.

     Pallbearers will be Steve Castro, Louis Pina, Daniel Castro, Joe Castro, Kurt Poeschel, Craig Walker, Leonard Nieto, Christopher Rivas.

     Services to be held at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier, California, on April 24, 2021, at 9:00 am.