It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Jose L. Castaneda on Saturday, January 18, 2026. Jose was a beloved husband, a devoted father, a cherished son, and a loyal friend and proud Marine 20+ years whose life was a testament to his selflessness and deep love for his family.

To those who knew him, Jose was a beacon of strength and kindness and ALWAYS had a joke at the ready. You couldn’t be sad around Jose! He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, always putting others before himself. His family was his entire world, and he was their rock.

On that fateful Saturday, Jose was doing what he always did: putting his family first. While hiking, some of his family members became lost, and without a moment's hesitation, Jose went searching for them. It was during this heroic act of love that he tragically fell from a cliff and passed away instantly. He died a hero, in the ultimate act of protection for his family.

This sudden and devastating loss has left his family shattered and facing an unimaginable future without him. While we cannot take away their pain, we can help ease the financial burden that accompanies such a tragedy.

We have started this GoFundMe to support Jose's family during this incredibly difficult time as he was the major breadwinner of his family. The funds raised will be used for:

• Funeral and memorial expenses to give Jose the beautiful farewell he deserves.

• Immediate financial support for his grieving family to help with bills and daily living costs.

• Long-term support for his children's future needs and education.

A donation of any amount would be a profound blessing to the Castaneda family. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your friends and community would mean the world to us.

Jose’s final moments were a reflection of how he lived his entire life—with courage, love, and unwavering dedication to his family. Jose gave a tremendous amount to his country, serving as a USMC infantryman in two wars with multiple combat tours and retiring as a Master Sergeant with 20+ years. He continued his service with the U.S. Navy as a civilian working on several critical efforts for our warfighters. Please give back to this patriotic family and let’s help take care of them.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support.

With love and gratitude