Obituaries

Pleasanton - Juan Castillo, 89, died Sunday, January 29, 2017, with his wife by his side.

He leaves for now his beloved wife of 66 years, Carmen Castillo; his daughter Stella Epding; his son, Oscar Castillo; his son, Albert Castillo and his wife Cindy Bartholomew; his daughter Delma Castillo; his daughter Cynthia Hurt and her husband Clifford Hurt; his 10 grandchildren and his 16 great grandchildren. He also leaves his brothers, Arnulfo Castillo and Arturo Castillo, and many close nieces and nephews, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Anthony Castillo.

Juan was born in Pearsall, Texas, the son of Refugio and Brigida (Esquibel) Castillo. In 1952, Juan and Carmen moved from Texas to California, along with his eldest brother Arnulfo, and his wife, Antonia. These two brother’s remained close throughout their lives, truly a blessing to one another, and their families. There were three other families that caravanned with them, Benavides, Maldenado and the Pounce family, together, to embark on a new chapter in their lives. They passed through beautiful Niles Canyon on their way to Union City where they resided for a short time, then moved to Fremont. He worked for United Can Co. in Hayward, with his brother Arnulfo, they became proud members of the Teamsters.

Juan was a great provider for his family. He was very involved in all of his children’s lives and his grandchildren’s lives as well. It brought him so much joy to attended their sports events and dance recitals, birthday celebrations and graduation ceremonies. He was a family man, and a good one, he went the extra mile. He looked forward to his families annual holiday gatherings, like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter and on New Year’s Day, he’d prepare one of his favorite soup recipes, and invite his family and friends over. He loved to cook, especially outdoors. At his home in Fremont; back in the early 70’s he and his friends built a huge beautiful brick barbeque in his backyard, for family gatherings.

Juan had a passion, a passion for the Oakland A’s. He and his wife Carmen were their number one fans! They were in attendance at every game every chance they had, and when not in attendance, they were watching them from home on TV. When that season was over, he would favor the Dallas Cowboys professional football team, faithful to his home state, Texas.

He also enjoyed riding bikes and taking long walks with his wife. Sometimes he would ride alongside of her because she would walk so fast. He also built bird houses for all of his grandchildren. He took great pride in ownership of his home and yard, and they were both always immaculate. Every year he would plant a garden that would consist of corn, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes and cilantro, and he would share his harvest with his family and friends, always so generous and caring to others.

Juan was a good businessman; he made some tough choices moving his family from Texas to California, not knowing what the outcome might be. Together he and his wife purchased many homes and condos. Together they resided in Union City, Fremont, Tracy, Pleasanton, and most recently Livermore. He was a determined man with a big heart, and by his example, he taught his family so many great qualities just by being himself.

He attended Church with his wife Carmen every Sunday until it was too hard for him to get around, and then together they would attend church at home via the television. We are all so thankful for that.

Our Dad, (Juan Castillo) will forever, be in our hearts and prayers, never forgotten. He will be deeply missed, but his story will live on forever through his children and grandchildren. Thank you Dad - we will love you forever and ever. Until we meet again, in heaven. God be with you and bless you.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 8th, from 5-8pm with a Vigil at 6:30pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 9th, 11am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Juan to the Dementia Society of America, dementiasociety.org.