Castro’s journey from Sonora to Arizona began when he was just 10 years old. He settled near Douglas, Arizona and eventually enrolled at the Arizona State Teachers College in Flagstaff, now known as Northern Arizona University. After his graduation, he temporarily returned to Sonora to work as a foreign affairs clerk at the U.S. Department of State before deciding to pursue a career in law. He graduated from the University of Arizona Law School and embarked on a career in public service, eventually leading to top positions in the state of Arizona and elsewhere.

Prior to entering politics, Castro served as an attorney and judge in Pima County, Arizona. He was elected county attorney in his 1954 and was promoted to Pima County Superior Court Judge four years later. His political acumen and commitment to public service also attracted attention on the national stage. In 1964, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador by President Lyndon B. Johnson and later served as Ambassador to Bolivia and Argentina.

In 1974, Castro broke new ground when he was elected the 14th Governor of Arizona, becoming the first Mexican-American to hold the office since Arizona gained state authority in 1912. However, Castro’s tenure was marked by controversy and criticism, especially from those who questioned his policies. Commitment to role. Despite these challenges, Castro did not flinch and displayed the remarkable resilience that defined his career.

But it was perhaps his 1977 appointment as U.S. ambassador to Argentina that underscored Castro’s dedication to public service. Accepting the office meant resigning as governor, a decision he made in the belief that he could better serve the Hispanic community in this capacity. His term as ambassador will be his final term in public office and will mark the end of his long and distinguished career in public service across the local, state and national levels.

Castro’s legacy continues to inspire people today. His alma mater, Northern Arizona University, honored him and named the home of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences after him. He has also been inducted into the Northern Arizona University Track and Field and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Hall of Fame, a testament to his contributions both inside and outside the political sphere.