Reprint from the Progress Times - August 17, 2007
©Progress Times 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Former Police Chief Claudio Castaneda dies

Former Mission police chief Claudio Castaneda was laid to rest August 14 with graveside services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission, with an Honor Guard performing the services. He passed away August 8 at McAllen Medical Center. Born October 30, 1918 in Mercedes, he was 88.

Chief Castaneda’s leadership in law enforcement was a career that spanned almost three decades, serving twice as Mission’s police chief from 1963 to 1968 and later from 1978 until his retirement on October 31, 1981. During his career, he also served as Mercedes police chief from 1953 until 1963 and as the Hidalgo County Sheriff from 1968 until 1976.

He is survived by his sons, Claudio N. Castaneda of Mission, Fernando Castaneda of Houston, Robert Castaneda of Mission; daughters, Rosina Alvarez of Mission, Delia Young of Corpus Christi, and Celia Martin of Humble; brother, Benjamin Castaneda of New Mexico; sisters, Nelly Ortiz Pino of New Mexico and Otila Harris of Mission; 16 grandchildren and 22 great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pablo and Tomasa Salas Castaneda; his wife, Delia Castaneda; brother, Robert Cardenas; and sisters, Rafaela Maldonado and Ofelia Trujillo.

Services were under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.