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Mr. Jorge Pineda Castillo, of Guatemala City, Guatemala, was born on November 2, 1928 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, to the late Vitalina Pineda and the late Justo Castillo. He passed away on June 2, 2018 in Turlock, California, at the age of 89. From childhood, Jorge was a hardworking man. Orphaned at the age of 12 and being the third eldest of 6 siblings, he knew he had to “step up.” He always strived for progress, success, and the quest for knowledge. In his youth he taught himself to play the piano, and graced God and his Sunday church with his melodic sounds. Despite being from humble beginnings he knew obtaining a formal education was paramount. Jorge emigrated from Guatemala to the United States in 1958 to study at Dallas Baptist University (DBU). After being offered an academic scholarship by American Missionaries, he came to the United States. He moved north to Decatur, TX to study while he continued to work hard and make a living for himself. He boasts that he used to take any job, including mowing the university’s lawn. Even though he worked tirelessly from one job to another, he would still study into the night, sitting under a street light after the library had closed for the day. With the opportunities afforded to him to study in United States, he graduated from DBU with his Associates degree in 1960. He was then offered a scholarship to attend California Baptist University in Riverside, California, to obtain his Bachelor Degree, which he earned in 1963. Following that, he attended Golden Gate Baptist Seminary in Mill Valley and earned his Masters of Divinity in 1967. He was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Vacaville, California in September of 1966, where he led the church for 6 years. Many commented on the meaningful messages he led. He was always thought provoking, and a deep thinker. In 1974, he obtained his California Standard Teaching Credential, which was issued for life, something that is no longer done today. He taught Elementary and Middle School, beginning at El Capitan Elementary in Delhi, California, then for Chatom School District, where he taught for 20 years. He led the title 1 program, one which benefited the migrant community and those in which English was their second language. He was beloved by the students and their families; he was frequently invited to family parties and dinners. He also taught woodshop (he was featured in several local newspapers for his great work), and English as a Second Language for Adults in the evening. In 1993, following the birth of his youngest son, Ivan, he formally retired. He retired for about 5 seconds; stating he could not mow the lawn enough times to be fulfilled. He went on to teach Special Education and translate for Stanislaus County of Education until 2010. Never with idle hands, he was always busy reading, writing, or working in his garage; but he was never too busy to help someone in need and was always eager to help. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, friend, teacher, and human being. He will be incredibly missed, but never forgotten. He leaves a strong legacy and a strong example that those who loved him will strive to achieve. Jorge was the beloved husband of Marta Castillo. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Luis Orozco and Jose Perez; and sisters, Laura Castillo, Maria Castillo, and Julia Orozco. Jorge is survived by his sons, Ivan Castillo and Jorge Castillo, Jr; and daughters, Carmen Castillo, Oliva Burton, and Gloria Matzer. He also leaves behind his dog, Camille. Friends and family members are invited to attend the visitation, officiated by Hector Esquivel, on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will take place, officiated by Hector Esquivel, on Friday, June 8 at 10 a.m. Both services will be held at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. A burial will follow the funeral at Turlock Memorial Park, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. Funeral arrangements are being held by Turlock Funeral Home.

Tributes

Jorge Pineda Castillo

November 2, 1928 - June 2, 2018