Mario E. Castaneda, Age 61 of Acton, MA died unexpectedly on March 21, 2020. Born in Mexico City to Elvia and Humberto Castaneda, he moved with his family to the US in 1968 and grew up in Yuba City, California. He received his undergraduate degree from University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA and his MBA from UCLA. While at UCLA he met his wife, Cathy.

Cathy and Mario moved to the Boston area in 1990 where Mario worked in marketing for Polaroid. They ultimately ended up in Acton in 2001 where they raised three boys, David, Mark, and Peter. He continued in the marketing field as a consultant first for Stratx International and later at his own firm, Blue Sail Consulting. He loved his work and the opportunity to travel worldwide. Most recently he brought his skills to UMass Lowell where he taught several business classes.

Mario loved the outdoors and enjoyed all that nature has to offer including hiking, running, skiing and snowshoeing. He could be seen every morning on the trails in Acton with his two dogs by his side.

But Mario’s greatest joys were his family, including his wife, his three sons, and the family dogs. He enjoyed all the boys’ activities during their youth, and as they grew took pride in their accomplishments in school and the workplace. He was also a prolific and exceptional photographer, memorializing every event.

Mario will be remembered for his ever-present smile, booming voice, and cheerful disposition. He will be missed for his enthusiasm for life. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves his mother, Elvia, and sisters Myriam (Mike Olivo) and Martha. He was pre-deceased by his father. He also leaves his sister and brother in laws and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Due to the State of Emergency regulations on the number of people attending a public event, all services will be private at this time. A public celebration of Mario’s life will be held at a future date.

For those wishing to leave online condolences, please visit his memorial page at www.actonfuneralhome.com