By Roxanne Schorbach, Red Cross volunteer
I first met Manny Castro when I was volunteering in Pomona with the San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter. He was one of those volunteers you remembered for his smile and his get–it–done attitude.
He was a team player. He worked hard as a member of the Disaster Action Team, the Logistics team and in all aspects of Red Cross work.
“I’m so heartbroken,” said Red Crosser Susan Perez about when she heard the news of Castro’s passing. “Manny and I worked together as Red Cross volunteers and employees. He was a mentor to me when I first started, and he trained me in many Red Cross protocols. He was a breath of fresh air, a buddy and an all-around fabulous guy.”
In general, Manny’s friends agree that the world is much dimmer today after losing such a loving, bright, shining light.
His larger-than-life spirit filled the room with joy, kindness, compassion, laughter and big stories. And when responding to disaster after disaster, Manny’s company is what many sought as he would know how to cheer people up and give perspective to our work and the pursuit of the humanitarian mission.
Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time. We were all blessed to have known Manny Castro.
Manny embodied the heart of our disaster relief work. Whether it was working a 2am DAT response or bringing a smile and word of encouragement to our volunteer meeting, we were always grateful that he chose the Red Cross. You helped families in their hardest days Manny, you upheld a standard of service and sought to improve each time. You will be missed. Lots of love and comfort to his family.