Tomás A. Castelo
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tomás Abraham Castelo, 81, who left this world peacefully at his home on September 15, 2024, in Santa Barbara, CA.
Born on October 5, 1942, to Tomás E. Castelo and Teresa Castelo (Osuna), Tomás was a proud son of Santa Barbara, raised in the close-knit community of Carpinteria. He graduated from Carpinteria High School in 1960, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to service and justice. Along with earning his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach, and his law degree from UCLA School of Law, he served six honorable years in the United States Marine Corps as part of the Platoon Leader Program.
Tomás was a beacon of hope for the underserved, pouring his heart into his work and community. His unwavering commitment earned him the City of Santa Barbara’s 2005 Hispanic Achievement Award, a testament to his profound impact as Co-Founder and Executive Director of La Casa de la Raza. Through his pro bono work at the Santa Barbara Legal Defense Center and his research with the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office, he transformed countless lives, advocating fiercely for those without a voice. He was dedicated to his work as an attorney and tax accountant, proudly owning and operating the Anapamu Professional Center for nearly 50 years, where he provided invaluable Estate Planning and tax services to his clients.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tomás was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He found joy in attending local high school football games, sharing stories of his cherished Carpinteria youth, and nurturing his insatiable love for reading. His family was his pride and joy, and his laughter and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tomás leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife of 49 years, Amalia Castelo (Alcantar), and a legacy of love that includes his brother Frank Castelo, sister Norma Davis, and his cherished children: Jued (Celestina) Martinez, Linda (James) Gallegos, Michelle Castelo, Cristina Castelo Rodriguez, Tommy (Taylor Hamilton) Castelo, and Renée Castelo (Mark) DePaco. He was an adoring grandfather to 15 grandchildren: Renée, Anna, Anthony, Tina-Marie, Leah, Joseph, Diego, Delia, Juliana, Luna, Tommy, Cameron, James, Luke and Taylor; a proud great-grandfather to 11, and a great-great-grandfather to one. He is reunited in spirit with his brother Henry Castelo, sister Armida Champagne, and son-in-law José Rodriguez.
A Rosary service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Carpinteria on Thursday, October 3, at 7:30 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday, October 5, at 11:00 AM, and a private reception to celebrate a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to VNA Home Hospice Care (vna.health “Appreciation Garden”) in his honor.
Tomás will forever be remembered for his fierce spirit, compassionate heart, and the countless lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.
Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services