Officials Mourn The Passing Of Ray Delcastillo

RAY DELCASTILLO

One of our most experienced and well-known officials, Ray Delcastillo, passed away this last weekend in San Antonio, Texas. Ray had had some health problems lately and was going to be unable to work this year's US Open. Ray is survived by one niece, so his many tennis official friends were his immediate family.

I can still remember meeting Ray when I was working my first pro tournament in Dallas. He came up and introduced himself and said, "I'll help you figure this all out. Just stay close and remember to ask a lot of questions." He was a quiet and unassuming man, but a good friend to many. He will be missed by all...

Cheryl Jones has been a close friend of Ray's for many, many years and has taken the lead in our helping with his funeral expenses. If you can help financially in any way, here are the options:

* Online by direct deposit to Ray Delcastillo Funeral @ Wells Fargo Bank. Account #9349536053.

* Personal check made out to Ray Delcastillo Funeral and mailed to Cheryl Jones (24615 Player Oaks, San Antonio, Texas 78260).

* Given to Cheryl Jones personally at the US Open on Monday, August 27th. Cheryl will be in attendance at the tournament and will check in to the Officials Office on that Monday.

Here is Ray's obituary in the San Antonio paper:

Ray Delcastillo passed away peacefully August 19, 2012. He was born July 22, 1946 in San Antonio, TX. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elvira Espinoza, sister, Helen Jacobson and brother, Louis Espinoza. Ray worked as a Tennis Official refereeing for over 30 years, most notably referring at the U.S. Open and other tennis matches all over the country. He received the Jack Star Award at the U.S. Open and also was awarded The Texas Umpire of the Year Award. Ray is survived by his niece Helen Ann (Brian) Evins; nephew, William E. Jacobson III; sister-in-law Rachel Espinoza; cousins, Michael and Rachel; and a host of dear friends from the tennis community.

SERVICES

A funeral procession will depart Mission Park North at 9:00 AM Tuesday, August 28, 2012 for a 9:30 AM graveside service at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors. You may sign the on-line guest book atwww.missionparks.com under the obituary section.

UPDATE ON RAY'S SERVICE (8-24-12)

Ray will have a military funeral Tuesday, at Ft Sam at 9:30 am... procession begins at 9:00 am from the Mission Hills Chapel on Cherry ridge Road. After the service, there will be a fellowship get together at the home of Ray's nephew. William Jacobson, 269 E. Craig, SAT 78212. He lived on the same street as Ray. Go south on San Pedro like you are going to McFarlin Tennis Center. Guests and family are bringing food for the occasion. The family has asked that donations to your charity of choice be made in lieu of flowers. If you have pictures of Ray, please feel free to share them with family. They really do not know very much about how he impacted tennis officiating and would be very proud to hear from his extended tennis family.

Those that need additional information may contact Ray's niece, Helen Evins, 210 269-1540 or email at hevins@satx.rr.com.