Benjamin "Ben" Castinado Jr.

Benjamin “Ben” Castinado Jr., formerly of Scottsbluff, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at his home in Reno, Nevada at the age of 87.  

Ben was born March 2, 1936, to Benjamin and Otila Castinado. Raised in Scottsbluff, Ben received his education in the Scottsbluff School system, graduating from Scottsbluff Senior High School in 1955. Ben met his high school sweetheart, Billye J. Murphy, in his Spanish class and they were married shortly out of high school on June 6, 1955. They celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary on June 6, 2020. 

Ben began his early career as a linotype operator with the Scottsbluff Star-Herald. He eventually obtained a management position with the State of Nebraska Labor Department for many years, later retiring from that position. In retirement he worked as a Spanish speaking interpreter for the Scottsbluff County Court System. Additionally, he spent several years traveling around the country as a mall Santa which he absolutely loved. 

Throughout his life, Ben was extremely community oriented and was a member of numerous civic organizations in Scottsbluff, including Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts and was a volunteer with Hospice for many years just to name a few. Ben was extremely proud of his Mexican heritage and worked throughout his life promoting Hispanic culture within the Panhandle, including teaching Hispanic history classes at UNL and within the Panhandle school system. He always said one of his greatest achievements was being named Grand Marshall of Cinco de Mayo in Scottsbluff.

Ben is survived by his sister, Lupe Battersby of Seattle, WA; sons, Benjamin (Shelley) Castinado of Lincoln, NE, Barton (Steve) Castinado of Reno, NV, and Brent (Cathy) Castinado of Omaha, NE; son-in-law, Ron Nix of Higginsville, MO; grandchildren, Nancy Le of Lincoln, NE, Jessica Furrer of Fort Collins, CO, Amanda Gealy of Gering, NE, Sarah Green of Beaverton, OR, Abby Nix of Lone Jack, MO, John Nix of Lawrence, KS, and Brett Castinado, Brock Castinado, Kristy Pietro and Phillip Katchaturian all of Omaha, NE. Ben is also survived by numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceeded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Otila Castinado; wife, Billye J. Murphy Castinado; sons, Brett Ryan Castinado and Bradley Ray Castinado; daughter, Jennifer Castinado Books; brothers, Henry, Louis and Joe; and sisters, Helen, Katheryn, Caroline, Vera, Stella and Carmen. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska with Fr. Rayappa Konka officiating. Inurnment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff following the Mass. A Rosary will be recited beginning at 9:30 a.m. that morning at the church. The service will be live-streamed and recorded to Ben’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Dad, “Papa” you were extremely loved by your family and friends and will be missed, but we will hold you in our hearts until the day we meet again.

Dear Lord, please look upon your son, Benjamin, and bless his soul. May your healing hand rest upon him. May your life-giving powers flow into every cell of his body, and into the depths of his soul, cleansing, purifying and restoring him to wholeness and strength for service in your kingdom. – Amen.