Carlos Castellon Posted: 2021-04-03 11:38:25

Carlos Castellon

Obituary

Carlos F. Castellon, 73, of Huntley, died in his home on Thursday, April 01, 2021.
Carlos was born on August 23, 1947 in Sagua La Grande, Cuba to Celestino and Delia (nee Rodriguez) Castellon. He left Cuba in 1961 and moved to Fort Pierce, FL. He attended the University of Florida and began a teaching career in Cross City, Florida. Later, he worked for Baxter Travenol, as a National Sales Training Manager for their pharmaceutical Division. In 1980, he joined a Swedish medical products company, Gambro, to manage their Latin American Division. Eventually, he moved into the international sporting goods industry and enjoyed the opportunities it provided him to attend the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs games. He became a Board Member of FIBA, (Federal International Basketball Association). His career took him to over 120 countries, he spoke 5 languages, and he really enjoyed learning about different world cultures and politics.
At home, he loved his family and enjoyed entertaining, fishing and boating. He was a generous host and enjoyed cooking for a crowd, the bigger the better. He remained a Gator fan for life, and played Santa for his family every Christmas Eve. After his retirement in 2017, he enjoyed making weekly donut deliveries to his grandchildren, playing bridge and hosting poker games
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Castellon, his children, Carlos “Ted” (Karen) Castellon, Jr., Christopher (Mary Leaf) Castellon, and Ashley (Eric) James, his grandchildren, Brittany, Matthew, Andrew, Renee, Remy, Claire, Noah, Nathan, Archer, and Anisa, his great-granddaughter, Chloe, his siblings, Dr. Celestino (Marisa) Castellon, Jr., Delia Castellon, and Margarita Castellon, and many nieces, nephews, and god-children.
Visitation will be on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, Funeral Mass will be held on April 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley with interment to follow mass at Huntley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carlos’s name can be made to Presentation Lantern Center, 900 Jackson Street, Suite LL 5-1, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 and Alumni Association of the Apostolate of Cuba, PO Box 653851, Miami, Florida 33265
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.DeFiore funeral.com

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Paul Dupont 2021-04-03 20:19:01

I will miss a loyal classmate, and someone I was glad to know.

Dr. Barbara Ash Bush 2021-04-03 20:24:06

Dottie and Family, It is with sadness that we extend our sympathy on the passing of your beloved Carlos. I remember when his family arrived from Cuba and came to Fort Pierce to begin their life free from the Cuban regime. I always admired his parents and the love they shared raising their children in a strong Catholic environment. Carlos excelled academically, in sports, and had a wonderful voice and loved to dance. He was always a gentleman and cherished classmate. May his soul rest in eternal peace in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Our dear friend is at peace. God Bless, Barbara and Ron Bush

Edward J Walsh 2021-04-05 11:42:00

Was a classmate of Carlos for the two years I was at Central Catholic High School in Ft. Pierce, FL. We played football for the high school team and were both on the front line. Carlos was a good friend and classmate. Glad we were able to reconnect at the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1965 graduation. I extend my sympathy to Dottie, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May Carlos rest in eternal peace with Our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

Megan Ruiz 2021-04-05 20:15:56

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Carlos. We will pray for his wife Dottie and their children, grandchildren, family and friends as they mourn. We are absolutely honored that the Presentation Lantern Center was chosen as one of the recipients of memorials people can make in Carlos's name. I see that "his career took him to over 120 countries and that he spoke 5 languages, and he really enjoyed learning about different world cultures and politics." That's INCREDIBLE!! It sounds as though he was someone who would have both empathized with and cherished interactions with the adult language learners who benefit from friendship, English and citizenship tutoring, among other things they receive from the center. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, Castellon family, and all of your relatives and friends. As do the over 1,200 adult immigrants students whose lives have been positively impacted by the assistance and education and warm welcome they receive here. With Love, Megan Ruiz and the Board and Staff of the Presentation Lantern Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Pat Beyer 2021-04-05 22:43:50

Dottie, I am so sorry! My condolences to you and your family. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. I know your pain. Carlos was a good man. Hugs

kristen baginski 2021-04-05 22:52:30

Dottie- I’m so sorry to hear about the love of your life Carlos! I know how difficult these days are right now. My prayers are with you. Hugs to you and all your family! Much love! Kris

Ken Baumer 2021-04-06 05:43:17

I have so many fond memories of the years Carlos lived and worked in Cross City. He was such a generous & caring person. I’m so glad that in recent years I was able to visit and reconnect with both you & Carlos. My deepest condolences to you and your family for loss of such a wonderful person. I know my life was made a lot fuller from having him as a friend.

Liz Duffy 2021-04-06 07:24:02

The Duffy Family was very fond of Carlos. My sister Karen loved him and he welcomed her into his family with open arms. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a very good man. We are so sorry for your loss. So glad Ted and Matthew could be with him in his final days. He had a very good life and will be dearly missed. God bless you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Margie Marck 2021-04-06 08:05:39

So sorry for your loss. Having heard you talk of him, I felt like I knew him. I'm glad you had such a wonderful man in your life.

Paula Bell-Cozzi 2021-04-06 10:53:07

I am so very sorry for your loss.I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Libby peterson 2021-04-06 10:55:27

Dottie, it’s with a heavy heart that I send condolences to you and your family. Beautifully written tribute.

Wally watson 2021-04-06 11:10:08

I also taught in Cross City when Carlos was there and a graduate from the University of Florida. Sending condolences to your family. May God bless. You are in my prayers. Wally

MARILYN WISNIEWSKI 2021-04-06 12:20:20

Dottie and Family, so sorry to read about the passing of Carlos. Sending my deepest sympathy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Marilyn Wisniewski, your former neighbor from Brittany Park and Montini Cub Scouts

Liz Duffy 2021-04-06 14:12:34

The Duffy Family was very fond of Carlos. My sister Karen loved him and he welcomed her into his family with open arms. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a very good man. We are so sorry for your loss. So glad Ted and Matthew could be with him in his final days. He had a very good life and will be dearly missed. God bless you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Erla Boyle 2021-04-06 16:43:34

To Dottie and your family my most sincere condolence. Carlos was an incredible friend. I so enjoyed playing bridge together. He was bright. caring and real. I will miss him and i hope you and your family find comfort in the sure and certain knowledge God has welcomed him home.

Nancy and Gerald Silver 2021-04-07 07:57:45

Carlos was a good friend, and given the kindness and courtesy of your grandchildren, he must have been a great father and grandfather as well. We enjoyed his cooking and the afternoons and evenings playing bridge and interesting conversation with you two. Our sympathy to you Dottie and to your family.

Brian Boswell 2021-04-07 09:38:55

Dottie, Ted, Chris and Ashley- It is with my deepest sympathy I extend my condolences to the loss of a great man! Carlos will be missed and will always be loved by those that knew him. He was always a positive and fun person to be around and a wonderful man all around. I grew up with Ted, Chris and Ashley and remember many visits, (when Dottie did not lose her keys) staying with them finding diamonds by their pool. Enjoying a rafting trip in Fontana, NC and showing Ted why teeth should never be placed up against glass windows. Carlos always made me feel like family and I will always cherish every interaction I had with him. Carlos leaves his mark on this earth with the wonderful family he forged and the heart he shared with everyone he came in contact with. He was truly a great Human Being and will be missed by all that knew him!

Paul Dupont 2021-04-07 14:29:07

I will miss a loyal classmate, and someone I was glad to know.

Libby peterson 2021-04-07 15:35:42

Dottie, it’s with a heavy heart that I send condolences to you and your family. Beautifully written tribute.

Robert and Katrin Laughlin 2021-04-07 15:58:30

Our deepest condolences to Aunt Dottie and the entire family. Uncle Carlos was very dear to us. We love him very much. So many great memories, especially going out fishing. He will be dearly missed by us.

Dra Bibiana Zobra 2021-04-07 17:11:29

Vuela alto Carlos... Ya estarás junto al Supremo en el cielo. Fuistes un caballero, un señor de bien y leal a tus valores hasta el fin. Elevó mi oración por tu eterno descanso. Mis condolencias a tus afectos y a tu familia toda.

Anisa James 6 years old 2021-04-08 11:43:41

My favorite memory is when he comforted me when there was a storm at the lake house. To comfort me he held me. He will always be my favorite grandpa.

Augusto Vilarinho 2021-04-08 13:28:41

Always Worthy I don't know if we'll ever be together again, but if so, I know I can count on your friendliness. A big hug Villa, Portugal

Andres Peñarrocha 2021-04-09 11:44:34

Siempre lo recordare, tantas cosas juntos...mi pésame a su esposa y familia.. No lo olvidaré jamás, un abrazo muy fuerte..

Marcia Herrera 2021-04-09 22:04:36

Mis condolencias, lo conocí en Miami, amigo de la familia y especialmente de Luis Irarragorri y María Elena Herrera, también fallecidos,, un saludo a su familia

Carlos Fulcar 2021-04-20 13:36:05

Mi mas sentidas condolencias por la partida de un gran amigo y hermano, con quien compartimos grandes momentos...siempre te recordaremos

Dan And Sue Wollman 2021-08-16 21:20:23

We are so sad to hear about Carlos‘ passing. We just found out this evening. He was my mentor in business. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful human being and the world lost an angel.