Ciro Contreras Castillo's Obituary
Ciro Contreras CastilloJanuary 31, 1921-December 3, 2017Resident of HaywardEntered peacefully into eternal rest on December 3, 2017 at the age of 96. Devoted husband to the late Esmeralda Contreras. Adored father to 4 children: David (Christina) and Jose Luis (Todd Masteller) Contreras, Andrea (Salvador) Ruiz and Ana Maria (Tamoochin) Shirzad. Cherished grandfather to 9 grandchildren: David, Yvette, Ciro, Raquel, Noe, Aaron, Arman, Marisa and Yasmin and 11 great-grandchildren.Ciro was born in Chalchiuites, Zacatecas, Mexico, the eldest child of Andres Contreras and Bernardina Castillo who predeceased him. His 4 loving siblings, Luis, Josefa, Maria del Socorro and Pascual also predeceased him. Ciro is survived by many inlaws, cousins, nieces, nephews, compadres, paisanos and friends.Ciro arrived to the US in 1942 with the Bracero Program, first to a factory in Kansas and eventually to a migrant labor camp in the California Central Valley. It was here that he had the good fortune to meet and fall in love with Esmeralda. He followed her to the Bay Area, where they married, settled and started a family in Hayward. Ciro had a strong work ethic and character which helped him achieve the American dream.Ciro touched many lives with his sound advice, mischievous smile and sense of humor. He was a man who lived his faith, volunteering at St. Clement and championing the causes of those less fortunate than him. Ciro was an excellent carpenter who took great pride in expanding and remodeling the family home on East 13th Street. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM at the Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA, 94545. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at St. Clement Church, 750 Calhoun Street, Hayward at 10:00 AM.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Dreamer Fund, in memory of Ciro Contreras. Ciro knew firsthand the contributions that immigrants made to our country and believed in the power of education to transform lives. If you are unable to donate, consider volunteering or performing an act of kindness or generosity to someone in need to honor Ciro’s legacy.Rest in peace Don Ciro, you will live forever in our hearts!
What’s your fondest memory of Ciro?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ciro?
Share a story where Ciro's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ciro you’ll never forget.
How did Ciro make you smile?