Former Arizona Gov. Raul Castro dies at age 98

PHOENIX, April 10 (UPI) -- Raul Castro, Arizona's first Hispanic governor and a U.S. ambassador to three countries, died Friday at age 98.

Born in Mexico, Castro served as governor from 1975 to 1977. He resigned when President Jimmy Carter appointed him ambassador to Argentina, where he served until 1980.

"He was an honorable public servant, a history-maker, a beloved family man and a strong friend and fighter for Arizona," Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said. "Whether as a county attorney, a superior court judge, a United States ambassador or -- as we will best remember him -- our 14th governor, his life and legacy of service is forever ingrained in our history. The thoughts and prayers of all Arizonans are with Governor Castro's family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Castro and his family moved to the United States when he was a boy. After becoming a U.S. citizen, Castro graduated from Arizona State Teacher's College, now Northern Arizona University, in 1939. He went on to earn a law degree and become a Superior Court judge. In 1964, Castro was appointed ambassador to El Salvador and later ambassador to Bolivia.

For the past 20 years, Castro has lived in the border city of Nogales, but was moved to a San Diego nursing home in early April.