FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) — Two individuals have been killed when a fireplace ripped via an condominium constructing in Brooklyn on Saturday – a person and his aged mom.
The person was Jose Castro – a youth baseball coach.
“Everyone preferred him. He is a type of sorts of folks that whenever you first meet him, you actually, like him instantly. And that sticks with you for so long as you recognize him,” mentioned Bonnie Youth Membership Athletic Director Jerry Katzke.
The generations of males and boys who performed baseball with the Bonnie Youth Membership in Flatbush knew Castro a very long time – he coached and managed groups there since 1987.
Castro posted clips on Instagram the place he coached the youngsters and mentored them along with his program known as ‘Books and Baseball.’
On Saturday morning, fireplace ripped via the small condominium constructing on Nostrand Avenue in East Flatbush the place Castro, 65, lived along with his 86-year-old mom. Neither of them survived.
“She was up there in age and, you recognize, along with all of the stuff he did as a coach, I imply, he had a serious accountability, caring for her;” Katzke added.
Castro had no kids of his personal – simply his Brooklyn Bonnies baseball household.
“Excellent with children. This man was glorious. Youngsters cherished to be round him. Very a lot. Mother and father cherished him due to the youngsters,” mentioned Bonnie Youth Membership Coach Jaime Marizan.
At their residence fields of the Parade Grounds of Prospect Park, Castro would share recommendation like ‘by no means cease studying.’
“He was most happy with the truth that, he was capable of get that sort of enthusiasm and fervour from the youngsters and, you recognize, and see them develop. I imply, not solely as baseball gamers, however simply as, you recognize, into mature adults,” mentioned Katzke.
“I helped him coach the final recreation he performed, I used to be at first. He was at third. We misplaced by one. There’s lots of issues I’ll bear in mind about Jose. Good man,” added Marizan.
This powerful loss for the Bonnie Youth Membership is remodeling its Corridor of Fame ceremony this coming Friday right into a tribute. Castro had already been inducted, however he can be honored because the beloved, bilingual coach and educator that he was, nurturing so many Central Brooklyn children for many years.
The FDNY remains to be investigating the reason for the lethal fireplace.
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