It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Rodriquez Castaneda announces his passing on May 15, at the age of 65. Known to family and friends as Bobby, he was born on June 8, 1952 to parents Jesse and Rita Castaneda. Bobby was the eldest of six children, and the only boy amongst them. He was a lifelong resident of the Globe-Miami area, attended George Washington Elementary, and Holy Angels as a child. He was a Class of 1970 graduate of Miami High School and was a very proud Vandal throughout his life.
Shortly after high school, Bobby started dating a young lady named Frances “Rosie” Gonzales. Their love for each other would bloom, and on Jan. 29, 1972 they were bound in marriage for all eternity. Together they would raise their family, which consisted of three daughters; Fran, Shanna and Rita Anne, as well as one son, Jesse.
Bobby supported his family by making a career out of working in the local copper mines. Out of high school, he went to work for Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company as a laborer in the smelter. Later he would move on to Copper Cities mine as a laborer. He would then take his talents Pinto Valley where he found his niche. He spent 18 years there, climbing the ladder from a laborer to eventually becoming a supervisor in the mill.
After parting ways with that job due to philosophical differences, Bobby landed on his feet at Asarco in Kearney. While at Asarco he obtained his apprenticeship in mechanics. He would spend eight years there as a mechanic helper in the pit, before health problems forced him to retire.
One of the things Bobby enjoyed the most was being in the outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing, exploring, panning for gold, or looking for treasures, any time spent outside was a good time. If he was able to do these things with family, or good friends, it was even better. One of Bobby’s hobbies was welding. In 1994 he completed a training program at Mesa Community College and was certified in welding.
If Bobby was home, there was a fair chance he would be out in his yard. He was known to crank up the Creedence Clearwater Revival music, while gardening, working on cars, or just tinkering. He will be particularly remembered as a jokester, one who loved to have a good time, and enjoy life.
Another one of his favorite pastimes was attending and watching his kids’ sporting events. He would brag on his children any chance he got. This carried onto his grandchildren later in life, as they were the apples of his eye. Together with Rosie, the two would travel to and attend as many events of their grandchildren as possible.
Bobby is survived by Rosie, his wife of 46 years; daughters Fran (Jason) Underwood, Shanna (Ronald) Rocha, Rita Anne (Mike) Fink, and son Jesse. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Madison, Logan, Mason, Jaspyr, Emma and an expected grandson. Additional survivors include four sisters; Norma Baxley, Rita (Mike) Martinez, Cindy (Chris) Marin, and Germaine (Mark) Marcanti.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister Frances.
Services for Bobby will be held on Thursday, May 24 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Miami, Arizona. The family will greet visitors from 8:30-9:30 a.m, followed by Rosary at 9:30, and a mass of Christian burial beginning at 10 a.m. Graveside services will conclude the ceremony at the Globe Cemetery.
