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  • Det Joseph N. Castorena, 99, WWII, RNC-Riverside: March 30, 2021

Author Topic: Det Joseph N. Castorena, 99, LEO(Ret)/USN, WWII, Riverside-30 MAR 21  (Read 2027 times)

BethieWethie909

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The family of Joseph Nunzio Castorina, 99, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present when their Hero is honored at his funeral.  We will be honored to do so.

Joseph Enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1942. He served aboard the Battleship USS NEVADA (BB-36). During his time in the war, he was promoted the rank of Signalman 2nd Class (SM2c). Throughout his time during the war, he fought in multiple theaters and major operations. He participated in the Battle of Attu (OPERATION LANDCRAB) and convoy escort duty across the Atlantic Ocean. The ship then turned to fire support duty, specifically the first few days of OPERATION OVERLORD, invasion of Northern France by allied forces. Joseph and his crew then moved to Southern France to support the landings for  OPERATION DRAGOON. After time in the shipyard, the USS NEVADA traveled to the Pacific Theater of war and supported the amphibious assault of the Japanese Islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Following these battles, Joseph was with his ship’s company in the Philippines when V-J Day was declared. During the post-war drawdown, Joseph was given an Honorable Discharge in November 1946.

After he discharged from the Navy Joseph became a truck driver, then was hired on to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department where he continued to serve his community as a Law Enforcement Officer from 1952-1981, retiring at the rank of Detective-Sergeant.

Joseph is survived by his sister Anne Calvo; six children, Nikki Shearn, Paul Castorina, Michael Castorina, Carmela Cunningham, Lisa Roth, and Cathy Ayres; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren.

NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran and Law Enforcement Officer.

NOTE: Please observe the latest COVID-19. Face coverings are required.


Time table for Tuesday, 30 March 2021:

0830 - Staging at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518, Area 9  https://goo.gl/maps/xvYxrM4DxWfKrsm5A

0850 - Mission Brief

0930 - KSU to shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors


R/C Clint "Smurf" Martin
So Cal PGR Ride Captain

lltk@sbcglobal.net
951-505-6362

Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-Courage


You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.

Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.